2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT ESP

WARNING
Driving with a fuel tank that is almost empty can lead to stalling in traffic, a collision, and serious personal injuries.
x When the fuel tank is almost empty, fuel supply to the engine can be interrupted, especial-ly when driving over bumps, across slopes, and up and down hills.
x Steering and braking assistance as well as ESC and related systems will not work if the engine “sputters” or stalls due to lack of fuel.
x Always refuel when the tank is 1/4 full to reduce the risk of running out of fuel and stalling in traffic.
NOTICE
x Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
x Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty. The irregular fuel supply can cause the engine to misfire. This allows unburned fuel to get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic converter or the diesel particulate filter.
The small arrow next to the gas pump symbol in the fuel gauge ⇒ fig. 175 shows the side of the vehicle with the fuel filler flap.
Refueling

Fig. 176 Right rear side of vehicle: Opening the fuel filler flap.

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.
NOTICE
x Never force a fuel nozzle in the misfueling guard. If you have problems inserting a fuel nozzle, first check to make sure you are using the correct diesel fuel. If you are, go to a pump with the standard diesel nozzle. Forcing a fuel nozzle in the misfueling guard can damage it so that it can no longer help prevent misfueling.
x If you have problems inserting a diesel fuel nozzle, please check to make sure you are using the right kind of diesel fuel.
x If you must refuel with a non-standard diesel fuel nozzle, an adapter is available from Volkswagen to allow refueling. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance. Only use an adapter approved by Volkswagen for your vehicle.
x Remember that the nozzle on a portable fuel container will generally not open the misfueling guard. If you must refuel with a portable fuel container in an emergency, you can pour diesel fuel very slowly from a portable container into the fuel filler neck of your vehicle. The fuel will flow slowly past the misfueling guard and into the tank.
Fuel capacities

Octane rating
Octane rating indicates a gasoline's ability to resist engine-damaging “knock” caused by pre-ignition. Using the correct grade of gasoline is very important to help prevent engine damage and loss of engine performance.
The recommended gasoline octane rating for your engine is listed on a label inside of the fuel filler flap. This rating may be specified according to AKI (CLC) or RON (ROZ) standards.
If unleaded Premium grade gasoline is specified for your vehicle, then Volkswagen recommends using TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91 AKI (95 RON). For more infor-mation on TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline, please go to the official Web site http://www.toptiergas.com.
The gasoline grades most commonly sold in the United States and Canada have the following octane ratings, which can usually be found on the filler pump:
x Premium grade: 91 to 96 AKI
x Regular grade: 87 to 90 AKI
Unleaded gasoline
Unleaded gasoline is available throughout the USA and Canada. Volkswagen recommends that you do not take your vehicle to places where unleaded gasoline may not be available.
Gasoline containing alcohol or MTBE
You may use unleaded gasoline blended with alcohol or MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether), commonly referred to as oxygenated fuels, if the blended mixture meets the following criteria:
Blends of gasoline and methanol (wood alcohol or methyl alcohol):
x Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
x Blend must contain no more than 3% methanol.
x Blend must contain more than 2% co-solvents.
Blends of gasoline and ethanol (grain alcohol or ethyl alcohol):
x Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
x Blend must contain no more than 15% ethanol.
Blends of gasoline and MTBE:
x Anti-Knock Index (AKI) must be 87 or higher.
x Blend must contain no more than 15% MTBE.
Seasonally adjusted gasoline
Many fuels are blended especially for winter or summer conditions. When seasons change, Volkswagen suggests that you buy fuel at busy stations where the seasonal adjustment is more likely to be made earlier.
WARNING
Starting fluids can explode and cause a run-away vehicle condition.
x Never use starting assist fluids.
NOTICE
x Never use fuel with an octane rating lower than 87 AKI / 91 RON. Using lower octane fuel may cause expensive engine damage.
x Never use leaded gasoline! Leaded gasoline will severely damage your vehicle's catalytic converter.

x Methanol-blended fuels that do not meet the criteria listed above may cause corrosion and may damage plastic and rubber parts in the fuel system.
x Never use fuels that contain lead or other metals (check listing on the fuel pump). Even lead replacement gasoline (LRP fuels) contain metallic additives in high concentrations. They can damage the engine.
x Do not use fuels that fail to meet the criteria above, or with contents that cannot be identi-fied.
x If you cannot tell whether a particular fuel blend meets the criteria above, ask your service station or its fuel supplier. If you notice a loss of fuel economy or drivability and performance problems using one of these fuel blends, we recommend that you switch to unblended fuel.
x Using fuels that are different from those specified above can damage your vehicle's engine and fuel system and cause performance problems.
x Damage to the engine and fuel system and performance problems caused by using fuels that are different from those specified above or by using “starting assist fluids” are not the responsibility of Volkswagen and are not covered under the Emission warranties or any other Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
Even a single tank full of leaded fuel can do major damage to the catalytic converter and de-grade its effectiveness in reducing polluting emissions.
If you notice a loss of fuel economy or drivability and performance problems using one of these fuel blends, we recommend that you switch to unblended fuel. Never use fuel line antifreeze offered for gasoline engines.
Gasoline additives

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.

x Damage to the engine and fuel system and performance problems caused by using fuels that are different from those specified above or by using “starting assist fluids” are not the responsibility of Volkswagen and are not covered under the Emission warranties or any other Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
x The vehicle is warranted to run on diesel fuel containing methyl ester biodiesel in concen-trations of 5 % or less. Never use methyl ester biodiesel in blend levels higher than 5 % (5 % methyl ester blends are sometimes designated or labeled as B5) unless your vehicle is regis-tered in Illinois. The properties of methyl ester biodiesel blends in levels greater than 5% will void coverage for related engine damage under the Emission warranties or any other Volkswagen Limited Warranty, unless your vehicle is registered in Illinois.
x Biodiesel especially in concentrations higher than B5, 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 and if not detected and remedied promptly, will ultimately result in engine damage.

WARNING
Store AdBlue only in its closed original container and in a safe place.
x To reduce the risk of poisoning, never keep AdBlue in empty food or beverage containers that might mislead someone into drinking from them.
x Always store AdBlue outside the reach of children.
NOTICE
x Use only AdBlue that has been explicitly approved by Volkswagen. Using other types of AdBlue can damage your vehicle's engine.
x Never mix water or any other substances or additives with AdBlue. Damage caused by such additives will not be covered by any Volkswagen limited warranty.
x Never put AdBlue into the diesel fuel tank! Otherwise the engine may be damaged!
x Do not carry a refill container in the vehicle all the time or routinely. Due to temperature fluctuations and damage, the container could start leaking and the AdBlue could damage the vehicle interior.
Dispose of the refill container in an environmentally-responsible manner.
Appropriate AdBlue refill containers can be obtained from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING
High voltage systems in the engine compartment can cause electrical shocks or even elec-trocution, severe burns, other serious injuries, and even death!
x Never short-circuit the electrical system. Be especially careful when using jumper cables. The vehicle's battery could explode!
x To reduce the risk of electrical shock and personal injury while the engine is running or being started:
– Never touch ignition cables. Never touch other components of the high voltage elec-tronic ignition system.
– Never touch the wiring of the HID – High Intensity Discharge (Xenon) headlights.
x Read and heed the important information and warnings on cleaning the engine compart-
ment ⇒ page 328
WARNING
Moving parts in the engine compartment can cause serious personal injury on contact.
x Never reach into the area around or touch the radiator fan. Contact with the blades can cause serious personal injury. Always remember that the radiator fan is temperature-controlled and can come on suddenly even when the engine has been switched off for a while and the key has been removed from the ignition.
x If you have to perform a check or repair when the engine is running, there are more risks from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system. Always use extreme care.
– Always make sure that jewelry, loose clothing and long hair do not get caught in rotat-ing engine parts. Before starting any work remove your jewelry, take off your necktie, tie back and cover your hair, and do not wear clothing that can hang down and get caught in moving engine parts.
– Always use extreme caution if the accelerator pedal has to be depressed to perform a check. The vehicle will start to move even if the parking brake is on.
x Never leave any objects in the engine compartment, for example cleaning rags and tools. Objects left behind can cause malfunctions, engine damage, and even fires.
WARNING
Additional materials in the engine compartment such as blankets can interfere with the oper-ation of the engine and can cause fires which can lead to serious injuries.
x Never cover the engine with blankets or other materials.