2012 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER warning

Coolant specification
r-l"'n First read and observe the Introductory l..-J,::,U Information and safety warnings & on page 358.
The cooling system is filled at the factory with a mixture of specially prepared water and at least 40% coolant additive G 13 (fl-VW 774 J). The coolant additive is dyed purple. This mixture of wa-ter and coolant additive gives the necessary frost protection down to -2s•c (-13.F) and protects the alloy parts of the cooling system against corrosion. The mixture also prevents scaling and raises the boiling point of the coolant.
In order to protect the coolant system, the propor-tion of coolant additive must always be at least 40%, even if anti-freeze is not required in warm weather and warm climates.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of anti-freeze additive can be increased. However, the percentage of coolant additive should not exceed 60%, as this would re-duce the frost protection and the cooling effect.
When refilling the coolant, a mixture of distilled water and at least 40% coolant additive G 13 or G 12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) (both of which are dyed purple) must be used in order to obtain the optimum corrosion protection =>(]). Mixing G 13 with the coolant additives G 12 plus (Tl-VW774 F), G 12 (dyed red) orG 11 (dyed blue-green) will significantly decrease the level of corro-sion protection and should therefore be avoided => A WARNING
Insufficient anti-freeze In the coolant system can cause the engine to break down and cause serious Injuries.
• Please note that the amount of correct coolant additive used must be sufficient for the lowest ambient temperature that you ex-pect the vehicle to be exposed to.
• Coolant can freeze at extremely cold out-side temperatures, causing the vehicle to break down. Vehicle occupants with Inade-quate winter clothing could then freeze to death as the heating will also no longer func-tion.
360 I Cleaning and maintenance
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Never mix genuine coolant additives with other coolants that have not been approved by Volks-wagen. Mixing other coolants could cause seri-ous damage to the engine and cooling system.
• If the liquid in the coolant expansion tank is brown instead of purple, for example, G 13 has been mixed with another unsuitable engine coolant. The coolant must be changed as soon as possible if this Is the case. Failure to ob-serve this point can result In serious faults or engine damage.
Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the "7!1:5 environment. Spilt service fluids must be col-lected then disposed of properly and in an environ-mentally responsible way.

Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant
Fig. 277 In the engine compartment: markings on the coolant expansion tank.
r--f'n First read and observe the Introductory information and safety warnings & on page 358.
The warning lamp for the engine coolant will light up if the engine coolant level is too low.
Preparation
• Park the vehicle on a firm and level surface.
• Allow the engine to cool down &.
• Open the bonnet&. 350.
• The coolant expansion tank has the all. symbol on its cap 278.
Checking the coolant level
• When the engine is cold, check the coolant lev-el on the side markings of the engine coolant ex-pansion tank 277.
• Refill the coolant if the liquid level is below the minimum marking ("min"). When the engine is warm, the coolant level may be slightly above the top end of the marked area.
Refilling coolant
• Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam by placing a suitable cloth on the cap of the coolant expansion tank.
• Unscrew the cap carefully &.
• Refill only new coolant according to the Volks-wagen specification 360)
• Only top up coolant if there is coolant residue in the expansion tank. If this is not observed, the en-gine could be damaged. If you cannot see any coolant in the expansion tank do not drive on. Seek professional assistance.
Fig. 278 In the engine compartment: coolant ex-pansion tank cap.
• If you can see coolant residue in the expansion tank, top up coolant until the level remains stable.
• The coolant level must be between the marks on the engine coolant expansion tank 277. Do not fill up over the top line of the marked area
• Close the cap tightly.
• If in an emergency you do not have access to the coolant of the required specification 360), do not use any other coolant addi-tive. Instead, initially refill with distilled water only. Then add the correct proportion of coolant ad-ditive as soon as possible 360.
A WARNING
Hot steam or engine coolant can cause seri-ous burns.
• Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or engine coolant coming out of the engine compartment. Always wait until no escaping steam or coolant can be seen or heard.
• Always allow the engine to cool down completely before carefully opening the bon-net. Hot components can burn the skin.
• The following points should be noted be-fore opening the bonnet once it has cooled down.
-Apply the handbrake fully and move the selector lever to position P or move the manual gear lever to the neutral position.
-Remove the vehicle key from the lgni-
In the engine compartment I 361

A WARNING (Continued)
-Always keep children away from the en-gine compartment and never leave the ve-hicle unattended.
• The engine cooling system is under pres-sure when the engine is hot. Never open the cap of the coolant expansion tank when the engine is hot. Coolant may spray out and cause serious burns and other injuries.
-Turn the cap slowly and very carefully anti-clockwise while exerting gentle down-ward pressure on the cap.
-Always protect the face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam with a large, thick cloth.
• When refilling, do not spill any service flu-ids on engine components or on the exhaust system. The spilt service fluids can start a fire. In certain circumstances, the ethylene glycol in the engine can catch fire.
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• Refill only with distilled water. All other types of water can cause corrosion in the en-gine due to the chemical components con-
Vehicle battery
CQJ Introduction
This chapter conlains information on the following subjects:
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery ................................. 364 Charging, replacing, disconnecling and connecting the vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
The vehicle battery is a component of the electrical system in the vehicle.
Never carry out any work on the electrical system if you are not familiar with the necessary procedures and the general safety requirements and only un-suitable tools are available => &. The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles rec-ommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehi-cles dealership for this purpose. Serious injuries can be caused if work is carried out incorrectly.
3621 Cleaning and maintenance
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tained therein. This can also lead to engine fail-ure. If any other type of water is refilled, the flu-id in the engine cooling system should be com-pletely replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.
• Do not fill coolant above the top of the marked area =>Fig. 277. Otherwise the excess coolant will be pressed out of the cooling sys-tem when the engine is hot and could cause damage.
• If a large amount of coolant has been lost, do not refill the coolant until the engine has cooled completely. Heavy coolant loss is an in-dication of leaks in the engine cooling system. The engine cooling system should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in engine damage.
• Do not top up with coolant if there is no more coolant in the coolant expansion tank. Air could enter the cooling system. Do not drive on! Seek expert assistance. Failure to do so can result in engine damage.
• When refilling service fluids, please ensure that the correct container is filled. The use of incorrect service fluids can result In serious faults and engine damage. Number and location of the vehicle battery
The vehicle battery is located on the left of the en-gine compartment.
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the ve-hicle could have two vehicle batteries. Camper vans can have up to three vehicle batteries. The second vehicle battery is located under the left front seat: the third battery in camper vans is loca-ted in the wardrobe on the rear left of the vehicle. •

Explanation of the warnings on the vehicle battery
Symbol Meaning
Always wear eye protection!
Electrolyte is very corrosive and caustic. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection!
No fires, sparks, naked lights or smoking!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the vehicle battery is charging!
Always keep children away from acid and the vehicle battery!
Additional information and warnings:
• Additional batteries, California 192
• Pull-away assist systems (starUstop system) 282
• Preparation for working in the engine compart-ment 350
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts 394
• Service schedule
A WARNING
Any work on the vehicle battery and the elec-trical system can cause serious chemical burns, fire or electric shocks. Always read the following warnings and safety informa-tion before carrying out any kind of work:
• Switch off the ignition and all electrical consumers before carrying out any work on the vehicle battery and also disconnect the negative cable from the vehicle battery.
• Children should always be kept away from electrolyte and the vehicle battery.
• Always wear eye protection.
• Electrolyte Is very aggressive. lt can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When working with the battery, ensure that your hands, arms and face in particular are protec-ted from acid spillages.
A WARNING (Continued)
• Do not smoke during the work, and never work near naked flames or sparks.
• When handling cables and electrical equipment, avoid generating sparks and elec-trostatic charge.
• Never short circuit the battery poles.
• Never use a damaged vehicle battery. it can explode. Damaged vehicle batteries must be replaced as soon as possible.
• Damaged or frozen vehicle batteries must be replaced immediately. Discharged vehicle batteries can even freeze at temperatures of around ooc (+32°F).
• In vehicles with a second battery under the driver's seta or a third battery in the lug-gage compartment, ensure that the gas dis-charge hose is connected properly to the ve-hicle battery.
• Do not allow direct sunlight onto the vehicle battery for an extended period as the UV rays could damage the battery housing.
• If the vehicle is left standing in cold condi-tions for a long period, protect the vehicle bat-tery from frost. If it freezes it wilt be damaged.
• Vehicles with a starUstop system are fitted with a special vehicle battery. The installation of a different vehicle battery could cause prob-lems with the vehicle electronics. When replac-ing the vehicle battery, only insert a battery with specifications that correspond exactly with those of the original battery.
W After starting the engine with a discharged L!J vehicle battery, or after the battery has been changed, system settings (time, date, personal convenience settings and programming) may have been changed or deleted. Check and correct the settings as necessary once the vehicle battery has been sufficiently charged. In the engine compartment 363

Warning lamp
ro First read and observe the Introductory Information and safety warnings & on page 362.
Lit up Possible cause
0 Fault in the alternator.
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.
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.
Solution
Go to a qualified workshop. Have the electrical system checked. Switch off any electrical consumers that are not required. The vehicle battery will not be charged by the alternator while the vehicle is in motion.
A WARNING (Continued)
• Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
• Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
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Failure to observe illuminated indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle be-Ing damaged. <1
Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery
Fig. 279 Engine compartment: pushing up the ve-hicle battery sleeve.
r-111 First read and observe the Introductory l-Jo=,.lJ Information and safety warnings & on page 362.
The electrolyte level of the vehicle battery should be checked regularly in high-mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older vehicle batteries. The vehicle battery is otherwise maintenance-free.
364 I Cleaning and maintenance
Vehicles with a starUstop system (=>page 283) are fitted with special vehicle batteries. The acid level of these vehicle batteries cannot be checked for technical reasons.
Preparation
• Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment =>page 350.
• Open the bonnet &::. =>page 350.
Opening the battery cover
Fold the sleeve away to one side =>Fig. 279.
Checking the electrolyte level
• Ensure that enough light is available for you to see the colours clearly. Never use naked flames or glowing matter (e.g. cigarettes) as a light source.
• The colour display in the round window on the top side of the vehicle battery will change accord-ing to the electrolyte level.

Colour dis-Action play
Light yellow The electrolyte level of the vehicle
or without is too low. The vehicle battery
colour should be checked and replaced by a qualified workshop if necessary.
Black The electrolyte level of the vehicle battery is correct.
A WARNING
Any work on the vehicle battery can cause serious chemical burns, explosions and elec-trlc shocks.
• Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
A WARNING (Continued)
• Electrolyte is very aggressive. lt can burn the skin and can cause blindness. When working with the battery, ensure that your hands, arms and face in particular are protec-ted from acid spillages.
• Never tilt the vehicle battery. Electrolyte may spill out of the battery vents and cause chemical burns.
• Never open a vehicle battery.
• if acid is spilt in your eye or on your skin, rinse immediately for several minutes with cold water. Then consult a doctor immediate-ly.
• If acid is swallowed, consult a doctor im-mediately. Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery
r-"f'n First read and observe the introductory L-Jo:.l.l information and safety warnings & on page 362.
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should always be charged by a qualified workshop, as the technology used in fac-tory-fitted batteries requires voltage-limited charg-ing => &. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recom-mends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.
If the battery cannot be charged in a qualified workshop, the charging cables of a suitable battery charger must be connected as described in =>page 443, Jump starting for vehicles with a Start/Stop system.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the condi-tions of its location and has special safety features. If a vehicle battery has to be replaced, discuss the electromagnetic compatibility, size and necessary servicing, output and safety requirements for the new vehicle battery with a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealer before purchase. The vehicle bat-tery should be replaced by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends us-ing a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.
Only maintenance-free vehicle batteries compliant with the standards TL 825 06 and VVV 7 50 73 should be used. These standards must be dated July 2012 or later.
Vehicles with a Start/Stop system =>page 282 or auxiliary heater =>page 332 are fitted with a special vehicle battery. These vehicle batteries may only be replaced by a vehicle battery with the same specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
Please note the following if the vehicle battery has to be disconnected from the electrical system in the vehicle:
• Switch off all electrical consumers and the igni-tion.
• Unlock the vehicle before disconnecting the battery in order to avoid triggering the alarm.
• First disconnect the negative cable and then the positive cable => &.
Connecting the vehicle battery
• Switch off all electrical consumers and the igni-tion before reconnecting the vehicle battery.
• First reconnect the positive cable and then the negative cable=>&.
Various indicator lamps may light up after the vehi-cle battery has been connected and the ignition is switched on. They will go out if you drive a short distance at a speed of 15-20 kmlh (10-12 mph). If the indicator lamps remain lit up, the vehicle should be checked by a qualified workshop.
if the vehicle battery was disconnected for long pe-riods, the system may not able to calculate or cor-rectly display the time when the next service is due =>page 19. Comply with the maximum permissible service intervals =>Booklet Service schedule. ""
In the engine compartment 365

Automatic switch-off for electrical consumers
The intelligent vehicle electrical system automati-cally implements a range of measures to prevent the battery from discharging under high loads:
• The idling speed is increased so that the alter-nator provides more electricity.
• The performance of large electrical consumers may be reduced or they may be switched off com-pletely.
• The supply of electricity to the 12-volt sockets and the cigarette lighter is interrupted temporarily while the engine is being started.
The vehicle electrical system cannot always pre-vent the vehicle battery from discharging. For ex-ample, if the ignition is left on for an extended peri-od of time with the engine off, or if the parking light is left on when the vehicle is parked for an exten-ded period.
What can cause the vehicle battery to discharge?
• Long periods at a standstill in which the engine is not running, especially if the ignition is switched on.
• The use of electrical consumers when the en-gine is switched off.
• When the supplementary heater is in operation =>page 332.
A WARNING
Incorrectly attaching the battery and using In-correct vehicle batteries can cause short cir-cuits, fire and serious Injuries.
366 I Cleaning and maintenance
A WARNING (Continued)
• Always use maintenance-free and leak-proof batteries that have the same properties, specifications and dimensions as the factory-fitted vehicle battery.
A WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases Is given off when the vehicle battery is being charged.
• Vehicle batteries should only be charged in well-ventilated spaces.
• Never charge a vehicle battery once it has been frozen. Discharged vehicle batteries can even freeze at temperatures of around o•c (+32.FJ.
• The vehicle battery has to be replaced if it has ever been frozen.
• Incorrectly connected cables can cause a short circuit. First connect the positive cable and then the negative cable.
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• Never make or break connections between vehicle batteries if the ignition is switched on or the engine is running. Never use a vehicle battery that does not correspond with the vehi-cle's specifications. The vehicle's electrical system or electronic components could be damaged, which could lead to electrical faults, for example In the start/stop system.
• Never connect equipment that provides electricity, such as solar panels or a battery charger, to the 12-volt socket or to the cigarette lighter to charge the vehicle battery. This can damage the vehicle electrical system.
Dispose of the vehicle baltery as required by legislation. Batteries may contain toxic sub-stances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
Electrolyte can pollute the environment. Clean up any service fluid leakages and dis-pose of them property.

Wheels and tyres
Useful information about wheels and tyres
o:::n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Handling wheels and tyres .............. .
Rims
368
369
New wheels and tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370 Tyre pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Tread depth and wear indicators 372 Tyre damage 373
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Tyre lettering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . • . • • . . . . . . . . . . . . 378 Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends that work on tyres and wheels is carried out by a qualified workshop. They are familiar with the pro-cedure and have the necessary special tools and spare parts and the proper facilities for disposing of the old tyres. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Ve-hicles dealership for this purpose.
Additional information and warnings:
• Transporting 125
• Towing a trailer 139
• Braking, stopping and parking 269
• Tyre monitoring system 318
• Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior 380
• Consumer information 404
• Vehicle tool kit 416
• Hubcaps 417
• Changing a wheel 420
• Breakdown set 425
A WARNING
New tyres or tyres which are old, worn down or damaged cannot provide full levels of vehi-cle control and braking power.
• Incorrect handling of wheels and tyres can reduce vehicle safety and cause accidents and serious injuries.
A WARNING (Continued)
• All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circum-ference) and the same tread.
• New tyres will have to be run In as they will initially have reduced grip and braking ef-fect. Drive particularly carefully for the first 600 km in order to prevent accidents and se-rious injury.
• Check tyre pressures regularly and always keep to the specified tyre pressure value. If the tyre pressure is too low, it Is possible that the tyre temperature will Increase to such an extent when driving that the tread peels off and the tyre bursts.
• Never drive with worn tyres or tyres that are damaged (cuts, cracks or blisters). Driv-Ing with tyres in this condition can result in blown tyres, accidents and serious Injuries. Worn or damaged tyres must be replaced as soon as possible.
• Never exceed the top speed and load per-mitted for the fitted tyres.
• The effectiveness of the driver assist sys-tems and brake support systems depends on the tyre grip.
• If you notice unusual vibration or if the ve-hicle pulls to one side when driving, stop the car immediately and check the wheels and tyres for damage.
• In order to reduce the risk of losing con-trol of the vehicle, and the risk of accident and serious injury, never loosen the bolts on rims with bolted on rim rings.
• Do not use wheels or tyres if you do not know their history. Used wheels and tyres could be damaged, even If the damage is not visible.
• Old tyres (even if never used) can sudden-ly Jose pressure or burst, especially at high speeds. This can cause accidents and seri-ous injuries. Avoid using tyres that are more than six years old. If you have no alternative, drive slowly and with extra care at all times.
m For technical reasons, it is not generally pos-L!.J sible to use the wheels from other vehicles. This can also apply to wheels of the same vehicle .,.
Wheels and tyres I 367