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.
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.
Vehicle care and maintenance
Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
o:n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382 Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors . . . . . . 382
Cleaning and changing wiper blades 383
Waxing and polishing the vehicle 384
Cleaning and caring for chrome and aluminium trim parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Cleaning and caring for the decorative film . . 385
Cleaning wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Care of rubber seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
De-icing door lock cylinders . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . 387
Undersea! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Cleaning the engine compartment . 387
Regular and expert care helps to maintain the val-ue of the vehicle. Proper maintenance may also be one of the requirements for the approval of warran-ty claims in the event of corrosion or paint defects.
Suitable care products are available from Volkswa-gen Commercial Vehicles dealers.
Additional information and warnings:
• Preparation for working in the engine compart-ment ::-page 350
• Cleaning and caring for the interior ::-page 388
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ::-page 394
A WARNING
Car care products can be toxic and hazard-ous. Unsuitable care products and Incorrect application of care products can cause acci-dents, serious Injuries, burns or poisoning.
• The care product must be kept In Its origi-nal sealed container.
380 Cleaning and maintenance
A WARNING (Continued)
• Read the manufacturer's Instructions .
• Never store car care products in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original containers as people finding these containers may not know that they contain care products.
• Keep children away from care products .
• The products can give off harmful fumes during use. They should therefore only be used outside or In well-ventilated spaces.
• Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids to wash, clean or care for your vehicle. These substances are toxic and highly Inflammable.
A WARNING
Incorrect care and cleaning of vehicle parts can Impair the safety features of the vehicle and thus cause serious Injury.
• Vehicle parts must be cleaned according to the manufacturer's Instructions.
• Only use approved or recommended cleaning products.
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Cleaning agents that contain solvents attack the material and can cause damage.
r:Q:... In the interests of environmental protection, "C!S the vehicle should only be washed in special-ly provided wash bays. This prevents waste water contaminated with oil, grease or fuel from entering the sewerage system. In some countries, washing vehicles anywhere else may be prohibited.
r:Q:... Environmentally-friendly care products "C!S should be used.
r:Q:... Leftover car care products should not be dis-"C!S posed of with ordinary household waste. Read the manufacturer's instructions.
De-icing door lock cylinders
....-m First read and observe the introductory L-I=JJ information and safety warnings & on page 380.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends the use of genuine Volkswagen spray with lubricating and anti-corrosive properties to de-ice the lock cyl-inders.
Undersea I
....-m First read and observe the introductory L-I=JJ information and safety warnings & on page 380.
The underside of the vehicle is coated to protect it from corrosion and damage. The protective coating on the underside of the vehicle could be damaged when driving. Therefore, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends that the protective coating on the underside of the vehicle and on the running gear should be checked regularly and repaired if necessary.
Cleaning the engine compartment
....-m First read and observe the introductory L-I=JJ information and safety warnings & on page 380.
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a hazardous area L1l. 350.
The engine compartment should be cleaned by a qualified workshop. Corrosion protection could be removed and electrical components damaged if the compartment is cleaned incorrectly. Further-more, water could enter the vehicle interior directly via the plenum chamber
If the engine compartment is very dirty, we recom-mend that you always go to a qualified workshop to have it cleaned by a professional mechanic. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends us-ing a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.
Plenum chamber
The plenum chamber is located in the engine com-partment between the windscreen and the engine and has a perforated cover. Air from outside is
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Do not use lock de-leers containing substances that dissolve grease, as this can cause the door lock cylinder to rust.
Undersea! and anti-corrosion coatings can ig-nite on the hot exhaust system or on other hot engine parts.
• Never apply undersea! or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, catalytic con-verter, heat shields or other vehicle compo-nents that become hot.
Leaves and other loose objects must be removed from the cover of the plenum chamber at regular intervals using a vacuum cleaner or by hand.
A WARNING
All work in the engine compartment carries the risk of injury, scalding, accidents and fire.
• Before carrying out any work, ensure that you are familiar with the requisite procedures and general safety regulations 350.
• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recom-mends having the work carried out by a quali-fied workshop.
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Water that has entered the plenum chamber via a manual process (e.g. from a high-pressure cleaner) can cause considerable damage to the
vehicle. "'
Vehicle care and maintenance I 387
r1ih In the interests of environmental protection, 'r!!S the engine compartment should be washed only in specially provided wash bays. This pre-vents toxic waste water containing oil, grease and
fuel from entering the sewerage system. In some districts, washing the engine compartment any-where else may be prohibited.
o::JJ Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Handling seat covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Cleaning cloth seat covers, fabric trim and Alcantara® upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Cleaning and caring for natural leather covers 391
Cleaning leatherette upholstery . . 392
Cleaning stowage compartments, drink holders and ash trays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392 Cleaning and caring for the dash panel, wooden trims and plastic parts . . . . . . . . . . 392
Cleaning seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392 Cleaning cool box . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . 393
Cleaning seat rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
Cleaning opaque shades 393
Modern fabrics, such as dark denim, are often not colourfast. Light-coloured upholstery (soft materials or leather) is particularly sensitive to staining caused by these fabrics, even if you are careful. This is not caused by a fault in the upholstery, but by the non-colourfast nature of the garments.
Leaving stains, dirt and other deposits on the sur-face of vehicle components and cloth seat covers for a long time can make it difficult to clean and treat them. Stains, dirt and deposits may become impossible to remove, particularly if left for a long time.
Additional information and warnings:
• Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior 380
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts 394
A WARNING
Car care products can be toxic and hazard-ous. Unsuitable care products and Incorrect application of care products can cause acci-dents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.
388 Cleaning and maintenance
A WARNING (Continued)
• The care product must be kept In its origi-nal sealed container.
• Read the manufacturer's Instructions.
• Never store car care products in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original containers as people finding these containers may not know that they contain care products.
• Keep children away from care products.
• The products can give off harmful fumes during use. They should therefore only be used outside or In well-ventilated spaces.
• Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids to wash, clean or care for your vehicle. These substances are toxic and highly Inflammable.
A WARNING
Incorrect care and cleaning of vehicle parts can Impair the safety features of the vehicle and cause serious Injury.
• Vehicle parts must be cleaned according to the manufacturer's Instructions.
• Only use approved or recommended cleaning products.
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• Cleaning products that contain solvents at-tack the material and may cause Irreparable damage.
• Stains, dirt and other deposits containing aggressive and solvent-based Ingredients at-tack the material and may cause Irreparable damage, even If only left for a short time.
• Stains, dirt and other deposits should be re-moved as quickly as possible and not allowed to dry In.
• To avoid damage, stubborn stains should be removed by a specialist cleaning company, .,.
Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts
o::n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Running-in 394
Accessories and replacement parts 395 Service fluids and consumables . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Repairs and technical modifications . . . . . . . . 396
Repairs and faults in the airbag system . . . . . 397
Retrofitting two-way radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
Information stored in the control units . . . . . . . 398 Using a mobile telephone in the vehicle without a connection to the external aerial . . 399
Vehicle lifting points 401
Additional information and warnings:
• Seat belts '*page 79
• Airbag system '*page 87
• Towing a trailer 139
• Ashtray and cigarette lighter 161
• Electrical sockets 163
• Braking, stopping and parking '*page 269
• Pull-away assist systems 282
• ParkPilot 287
• Reversing camera (Rear Assist) '*page 291
• Cruise control system (CCS) 295
• Driver Alert System 315
• Tyre monitoring system 318
• Preparation for working in the engine compart-ment page 350
• Engine oil 353
• Engine coolant '*page 358
• Battery 362
Running-in
r--('n First read and observe the introductory L-J.:.lJ information and safety warnings & on page 394.
Please follow the regulations concerning running-in new parts.
394 I Cleaning and maintenance
• Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior 380
• Cleaning and caring for the interior 388
• Consumer information 404
• Radio, provision for mobile tele-phone, infotainment system, navigation system
A WARNING
Unsuitable spare parts and accessories, In-correctly carried out work, modifications and repairs can lead to damage to the vehicle and cause accidents and serious Injuries.
• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles strongly recommends you use only approved Volks-wagen accessories and Volkswagen Genuine Parts®. These parts and accessories have been specially tested by Volkswagen Com-mercial Vehicles for suitability, reliability and safety.
• Repairs and modifications to your vehicle should only be carried out by a qualified workshop. Qualified workshops have the nec-essary tools, diagnostic equipment, repair In-formation and qualified personnel.
• Never fit parts to your vehicle that are In any way different from the factory-fitted parts.
• Never secure or mount objects such as drink holders or telephone holders on or next to the airbag covers or within the deployment zone of the airbag.
• Only use rim/tyre combinations which have been approved by Volkswagen Commer-cial Vehicles for your vehicle type.
Any new engine has to be run in during the first 1 ,500 kilometres. During its first few hours of run-ning, the internal friction in the engine is greater than later on when all the moving parts have bed-ded down.
The style of driving during the first 1 ,500 kilometres will also affect the engine quality. Even after this time-and especially with a cold engine-drive the .,.
vehicle at moderate speeds in order to reduce en-gine wear and to increase the mileage that the en-gine can cover. Do not drive at engine speeds that are too low. Always shift down gear if the engine is not running smoothly. The following applies up to 1,000 kilometres:
• Do not depress the accelerator fully.
• Do not drive the vehicle at more than 2/3 of the top engine speed.
• Do not drive with a trailer attached.
Accessories and replacement parts
r-1'11 First read and observe the introductory l-J,:::JJ information and safety warnings & on page 394.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends that you seek advice from a Volkswagen Commer-cial Vehicles dealership before purchasing acces-sories, spare parts or service fluids. For example, if the vehicle is to be retrofitted with accessories or if parts have to be renewed. Volkswagen Commer-cial Vehicle dealerships can recommend accesso-ries, parts and service fluids which are suitable for your requirements. They can also answer any questions you might have regarding official regula-tions.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends you use only approved Volkswagen accessories and Volkswagen Genuine Parts®. These parts and accessories have been specially tested by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles for suitability, re-liability and safety. A Volkswagen Commercial Ve-hicles dealership is also qualified for correct instal-lation.
Although the market is constantly scrutinised, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles cannot assume responsibility for the reliability, safety and suitability of products Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has not approved. Volkswagen Commercial Vehi-cles can therefore assume no responsibility for these parts, even if they have been approved by an official testing agency or are covered by an offi-cial approval certificate.
Service fluids and consumables
r-1'11 First read and observe the introductory l-J,:::JJ information and safety warnings & on page 394.
From 1,000 to 1,500 kilometres, gradually in-crease driving performance to top speed and high-est engine speed.
Running in new tyres and brake pads
• New wheels and tyres =>page 367
• Information on the brakes =>page 272
r:lib If the engine is run in gently, the life of the en-W gine will be increased and its oil consumption
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct ef-fect on the vehicle and/or the way it is driven must be approved by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles for use in your vehicle and bear the e mark (the European Union's authorization symbol). These devices include cruise control systems or an elec-tronically controlled suspension.
Any additional electrical components fitted that do not serve to control the vehicle itself must bear the
Incorrectly performed repairs or modifica-tions to your vehicle can impair the effective-ness of the airbags, cause faults, accidents and fatal injury.
• Never secure or mount objects such as drink holders, telephone holders either on or next to the airbag covers or within the de-ployment zone of the airbag.
• Objects either on or next to the airbag module covers or are in the deployment zone of the airbags can cause serious or even fatal injuries should the airbags be activated.
All service fluids and consumables, e.g. toothed belts, tyres, coolant, engine oil, spark plugs and vehicle batteries, are being constantly developed. For this reason, service fluids and consumables
Vehicle care and maintenance I 395
should be replaced at a qualified workshop. Volks-wagen Commercial Vehicles dealers are kept up to date with regard to any changes.
A WARNING
Unsuitable service fluids and consumables, and the Incorrect use of these fluids and con-sumables, can cause accidents, serious inju-ries, burns or poisoning.
• Service fluids must be kept In their origi-nal sealed container.
• Never store service fluids In empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original containers as people finding these containers could drink them.
• Keep children away from all service fluids and consumables.
• Always read and follow the Information and warnings on the service fluid packaging.
Repairs and technical modifications
.....-T'n First read and observe the Introductory l-J,::JJ Information and safety warnings & on page 394.
Repairs and modifications must always be car-ried out according to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles specifications =:ob:,!
Unauthorised modifications to the electronic com-ponents or software in the vehicle may cause faults. As the electronic components are linked to-gether in networks. other systems may be affected by the faults. This can seriously impair safety, lead to excessive wear of components, and also invalid-ate the type approval for the vehicle.
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealer can-not be held liable for any damage caused by tech-nical modifications and/or work performed incor-rectly.
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealer can-not be held liable for any damage caused by tech-nical modifications and/or work performed incor-rectly. This is also not covered by the Volkswagen guarantee.
3961 Clt!aning and maintenance
A WARNING (Continued)
• When using products that give off harmful fumes, always work outdoors or In a well-ventilated area.
• Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids for vehicle care. They are toxic and highly flam-mable. They could cause fires and explo-sions.
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• Only use suitable service fluids for refilling. Never use the wrong service fluid. Failure to observe this warning can result In serious mal-functions and engine damage.
• Optional equipment and other accessories In front of the air Inlet reduce the cooling effect of the coolant. The engine may overheat at high ambient temperatures and high engine loads.
Leaking service fluids can pollute the envi-C!IS ronment. Spilt service fluids must be collec-ted in suitable containers and disposed of properly and with respect for the environment.
Vehicles with special auxiliary equipment or body parts
The manufacturer of these components must en-sure that these parts (fittings) adhere to the stipula-ted environmental laws and regulations, particular-ly the EU directive 2000/53/EC concerning end-of-life vehicles and EU directive 2003/11/EC concern-ing the restriction on the marketing and use of cer-tain dangerous substances and preparations.
The vehicle owner should keep all assembly docu-mentation for these auxiliary fittings, and pass it on to any scrapping company later engaged. This is to facilitate environmentally responsible disposal for all vehicles, Including refitted vehicles.
Windscreen repairs
To function properly, some items of equipment re-quire a camera or sensor, which Is located on the inside of the windscreen near the interior mirror. If the windscreen in the viewing field of the camera ,..