2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT service indicator

WARNING
Poor visibility increases the risk of collisions and other accidents that cause serious person-al injuries.
x Always make sure all windows are clear of ice, snow and condensation for good visibility to the front, sides, and rear.
x Maximum heating output and defrosting performance are not possible until the engine has reached operating temperature. Wait until you have good visibility before driving off.
x Always make sure you know how to properly use the heating and ventilation systems as well as the rear window defroster that you will need for good visibility.
x Never use air recirculation for long periods of time. When the air conditioner is off and recirculation mode is on, condensation can quickly form on the windows and greatly reduce visibility.
x Always switch off recirculation mode when it is not needed.
WARNING
Stale air causes driver fatigue and reduces driver alertness, which can cause accidents, colli-sions and serious personal injury.
x Never switch off the fan for a long period of time and never use air recirculation a long period of time because no fresh air will enter the passenger compartment.
NOTICE
x If you think the air conditioner is not working properly or may be damaged, switch it off to help prevent more damage. Have the air conditioner checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Air conditioner repair requires specialized knowledge and special tools. Volkswagen rec-ommends that you see an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
x Do not smoke when air recirculation is switched on. Smoke drawn into the ventilation sys-tem can leave residue on the evaporator and on the dust and pollen active carbon filter, result-ing in permanent odors whenever the air conditioner is switched on.
If the air conditioner is switched off, the fresh outside air will not be dehumidified. To help keep the windows from fogging over, Volkswagen recommends leaving the air conditioner (compressor) switched on. Press the A/C button. The indicator light in the button must come on.
When it is very hot and humid outside, water condensation can drip from the air conditioner evaporator and form a puddle under the vehicle. This is normal and does not indicate a leak.
Keep the air intake slots in front of the windshield free of ice, snow and leaves in order to main-tain proper functioning of the heating and ventilation systems.
Maximum heating output and defrosting performance are not possible until the engine has reached operating temperature.

Using diesel fuel with concentrations of methyl ester biodiesel higher than 20 % (B20), such as B100 is still contrary to the terms of your Emission warranties or any other Volkswagen Limited Warranty and remains strictly prohibited.
Biodiesel blends (up to B20) may be used in your Illinois registered TDI® Clean Diesel vehicle; howev-er, please be aware that biodiesel has characteristics that are different from other kinds of fuel, espe-cially petroleum-based fuels.
Biodiesel can attract water and also deteriorate with age. Small amounts of biodiesel can get into the engine oil, but unlike petroleum diesel, it does not evaporate over time. This can cause the oil level in the engine to rise and can affect the quality of the oil.
x Routinely check the engine oil level. A good time to do this is when you refuel, especially if you regularly do a lot of short distance or stop-and-go driving. This will help you see if the engine oil level is getting higher. (A rising oil level beyond the maximum indicator means an oil change is needed due
to the dilution of the oil in the system; a potential characteristic of biodiesel use) ⇒ page 297, Engine oil.
x If you ever notice that the engine oil level has risen or is above the maximum indicator, contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer, authorized Volkswagen Service Facility or Volkswagen Customer CARE to schedule an oil change – regardless of the time or mileage that has elapsed since you last had an oil change performed.
x Continue to follow the oil change intervals found in the Warranty and Maintenance booklet that came with your vehicle, and use only engine oil that expressly complies with Volkswagen quality standard VW 507 00.
x Refuel only at trusted, commercial fueling stations that are located near main highways. These stations are more likely to have “fresh” biodiesel fuels that have not aged significantly.
x If your vehicle will be in storage (or not driven) for several weeks or months, please completely fill the fuel tank. If possible, fill the tank with Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel fuel [ASTM D-975 standard Grade No. 2-D (S15)].
If you have additional questions about your Illinois registered TDI® Clean Diesel vehicle, please call or write to us at:
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Attn: Customer CARE
3800 Hamlin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Tel.: 1-800-444-8982
WARNING
Starting fluids can explode and cause a run-away vehicle condition.
x Never use starting assist fluids.
NOTICE
x The vehicle's diesel engine was designed solely for use with ULSD fuel. For this reason, never use gasoline, heating oil, or other fuels that have not been expressly approved for use with the diesel engine. These fuels contain substances that will severely damage the fuel sys-tem and the engine. Such damage will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
x If you put any amount of the incorrect fuel in the fuel tank, do not start the engine under any circumstances. Immediately contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
x If diesel fuel should get on any rubber hose, it must be wiped off immediately. The same applies if diesel fuel gets onto other parts of the vehicle, especially paint, tires, or a plastic part. Wash the contaminated vehicle parts right away with soap and warm water to help pre-vent leaks and serious damage.

Checking the vehicle battery acid level
x If the lighting conditions are poor, use a flashlight so that you can clearly see the battery acid level indicator and tell what color it is. Never use an open flame or an unprotected light source.
x The round battery window (“acid level indicator”) on the top of the battery changes color, depend-ing on the battery's electrolyte level.

Color indication Action
Light yellow or colorless Battery electrolyte level is too low. The vehicle battery may need to be replaced. Have it checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Black Battery electrolyte level is satisfactory.

WARNING
Working on the batteries can cause serious acid burns, explosion, or electrical shock.
x Always wear eye protection and protective gloves.
x Sulfuric battery acid is very corrosive. It can burn unprotected skin and cause blindness. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection.
x Never tilt the vehicle battery. Acid could spill out of the battery vents and burn you.
x Never open a vehicle battery.
x If you get battery acid in your eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with cold water for several minutes and then get immediate medical attention.
x If you swallow any battery acid, get medical attention immediately.
Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery

x Unlock the vehicle before disconnecting the battery; otherwise the alarm system will go off.
x First disconnect the negative cable (-) and then the positive cable (+) ⇒ .
Connecting the vehicle battery
x Prior to reconnecting the battery, switch off all electrical systems and devices and the ignition.
x Connect the positive cable (+) first and then the negative cable (-) ⇒ .
After the battery is connected and the ignition is switched on, different indicator lights may come on. They should go out after you drive a short distance at 10–12 mph (15–20 km/h). If the indicator lights do not go out , contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility and have the vehicle checked.
If the battery was disconnected for a long time, the next scheduled service may not be correctly calcu-
lated and displayed ⇒  Instrument cluster The maximum permissible service and maintenance inter-
vals are shown in the ⇒ Booklet Warranty and Maintenance.
Vehicles with Keyless Access
If the ignition will not start after reconnecting the vehicle battery, lock the vehicle from the outside and
unlock it again ⇒  Unlocking and locking vehicles with Keyless Access. Then try to start the ignition again. If the ignition cannot be switched on, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified workshop for assistance.
Automatic electrical load deactivation
If the vehicle battery drain is high, the intelligent onboard electrical system management automatically takes steps to help prevent battery drain.
x The idle speed is increased so that the alternator provides more power.
x The power to devices that consume a lot of electricity is cut back or switched off completely.
x When the engine is started, the power supply to the 12 Volt sockets and the cigarette lighter ⇒  Cigarette lighter is temporarily interrupted.
The onboard electrical system management cannot always keep the battery from being drained. For example, the battery will drain if the engine is not running, but the ignition is switched on or the parking lights are left on for a long time when parked.
Battery disconnection in an accident with airbag deployment
In vehicles with a battery in the luggage compartment, the electrical connection to the battery is dis-connected automatically in a collision with airbag deployment. This helps to prevent a short-circuit.
What drains the vehicle battery?
x Long periods when the engine is not running, especially when the ignition is on.
x Using electrical systems or devices when the engine is switched off.
x Leaving the vehicle unlocked for several days when not in use.
x The selector lever is left for a long period of time in any position other than P when the ignition is
switched off ⇒  Automatic transmission: Selector lever.
WARNING
Failure to use the proper battery with proper mounting and connections may cause short circuits, fires, and serious personal injuries.
x Always use only maintenance-free or cycle-free, leak-proof batteries with the same speci-fications and dimensions as the original equipment battery. Specifications are listed on the battery housing.

Lights up Possible cause Proper response
%0# Engine control malfunction (Electronic Power Control).
Have engine checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
D Diesel engine pre-glow before engine start-up.
B Engine control / monitoring system mal-function (engine Malfunction Indicator Light - MIL)
Ease off the accelerator. Carefully drive to the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Have engine checked.

WARNING
Improper replacement of burned out headlights and other light bulbs can cause serious per-sonal injury.
x Stop! Always read and heed the WARNINGS before doing any work in the engine com-partment. The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially dangerous area, and work in this area can lead to serious personal injury.
x HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights get power from a high voltage source that can cause severe personal injury and even death if handled improperly.
x H7 bulbs and HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights are under high pressure and can explode if handled improperly.
x Always let a burned out light bulb cool down before replacing it.
x Never replace a light bulb unless you are familiar with all of the necessary procedures. In particular, never remove a headlight unless you know exactly how to carry out the job and have the correct tools and light bulbs.
x If you are uncertain about what to do, have the work performed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified work-shop. Serious personal injury may result from improperly performed work.
x We strongly recommend that you always have HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights and H7 bulbs replaced by a qualified technician.
x Do not touch the glass of light bulbs with your bare hands. Fingerprints left on the bulb evaporate due to the heat when the bulb is switched on and cause the reflector to “cloud.”
x There are sharp edges on and around the headlight housing in the engine compartment and the rear light housing. Wear hand protection if you replace bulbs.
NOTICE
After replacing a headlight bulb or other light bulb, always make sure that the rubber covers or plastic caps have been properly and securely reinstalled to help prevent water from getting into the electrical connections and headlight housing and damaging the electrical system.
LEDs cannot be replaced. Contact your authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.
Indicator light