2015 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER maintenance

Checking the engine oil level and refilling engine oil
Fig. 274 Oil dipstick with markings.
r-111 First read and observe the Introductory L-W! information and safety warnings & on page 353.
Checklist
Carry out the steps in the specified order &:
1. With the engine at operating temperature, park the vehicle on a level surface to ensure that the engine oil reading is correct.
2. Switch off the engine and wait a few mi-nutes for the engine oil to flow back into the sump.
3. Open the bonnet&. 350.
4. Identify the engine oil filler cap and oil dip-stick. The engine oil filler opening bears the symbol 'l!:r. on the cap 275 and the oil dipstick has a coloured handle. If you can-not find the cap and dipstick please contact a qualified workshop.
5. Pull the dipstick out of the guide tube and wipe it off with a clean cloth.
6. Insert the oil dipstick into the guide tube again as far as it will go. If there is a mark-ing on the oil dipstick, this marking must fit in the corresponding groove at the top end of the guide tube when inserting.
7. Pull the dipstick out again and read the en-gine oil level on the dipstick 274 as follows:
@: do not refill oil Continue to step 15.
@: oil can be refilled (approximately 0.5 1). Continue to step 8 or 15.
©: oil must be refilled (approximately 1.0 1). Continue to step 8.
356 I Cleaning and maintenance
Fig. 275 in the engine compartment: engine oil filler cap (illustration).
8. After reading the oil level, push the oil dip-stick back into the guide tube as far as it will go.
9. Unscrew the engine oil filler opening cap =>Fig. 275.
1 0. Using only the engine oil approved by Volkswagen expressly for this engine, top up the oil in small gradual amounts (no more than 0.5 1).
11. To avoid overfilling, wait for approximately one minute after each pour to allow the en-gine oil to flow into the oil sump up to the marking on the engine oil dipstick.
12. Read the engine oil level from the dipstick again before refilling with a further small quantity of engine oil. Never overfill engine oil
13. After the refilling procedure, the engine oil level should be at least in the centre of area =>Fig. 274 @,but never above area®
14. After refilling, screw the engine oil filler cap back on correctly.
15. Re insert the oil dipstick correctly into the guide tube as far as it will go.
16. Close the bonnet correctly & 350.
A WARNING
Engine oil can Ignite if it comes into contact with hot engine components. lt can cause fires, burns and other serious Injuries.

A WARNING (Continued)
• Always allow the engine to cool down completely to avoid burns.
• Avoid raising your arms when removing the oil drain plug with your fingers to help prevent oil from running down your arm.
• Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. it must be at least large enough to hold the entire quantity of engine oil re-quired for refilling.
• Never store engine oil in empty food con-tainers, bottles or any other non-original con-tainers as people finding these containers may not know that they contain engine oil.
Coolant
o:::n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Warning lamp and coolant temperature display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Coolant specification . . . . . 360 Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Never carry out any work on the engine coolant system if you are not familiar with the requisite pro-cedures, or if you do not have access to the cor-rect tools, operating equipment and fluids &. The work should be carried out by a qualified work-shop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volkswagen Com-mercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.
Serious injuries can be caused if work is carried out incorrectly.
Additional information and warnings:
• Towing a trailer 139
• Preparation for working in the engine compart-ment 350
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts =>page 394
358 I Cleaning and maintenance
A WARNING (Continued)
• Engine oil is toxic and must be stored out of the reach of children.
r:Q:.. Before changing the engine oil, first find out W where old oil can be disposed of properly near you.
Used oil must be disposed of in accordance W with regulations governing the protection of the environment. Never dispose of old oil in loca-tions such as gardens, woods, sewerage systems, on streets and roads, or in rivers and waterways. A WARNING
Engine coolant is poisonous and can cause serious Injuries.
• Engine coolant should only be kept in sealed original containers In a safe place.
• Never store engine coolant In empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original containers as people finding these containers may then drink the engine coolant.
• The engine coolant must be stored out of the reach of children.
• 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.
Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the W environment. Spilt service fluids must be col-lected then disposed of properly and in an environ-mentally responsible way.

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
CD
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.

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.
CD
• 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. •

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.
CD
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.
CD
• 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.

type. Refer to the vehicle documentation and ask a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership if necessary. Handling wheels and tyres
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Fig. 280 How to swap wheels.
.....-r'n First read and observe the introductory L-W! Information and safety warnings & on page 367.
The tyres are the most used and most underesti-mated parts of a vehicle. Tyres are very important as the narrow tyre surfaces are the only contact between the vehicle and the road.
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pres-sure, driving style handling and fitting.
The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle's design. The tyres and rims approved by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles are specially matched to the characteristics of the vehicle and make a major contribution to good road holding and safe handling.
Avoiding damage to the tyres
• If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obsta-cle, drive slowly and at a right angle if possible.
• Inspect the tyres regularly for damage such as cuts. cracks or blisters.
• Remove foreign objects that are in the outer tyre tread and have not penetrated the Inner tyre 373.
• Always respond to any warning messages giv-en by the tyre monitoring system=:opage 318.
• Damaged or worn tyres must be replaced im-mediately =:o page 373.
• Regularly check the tyres for hidden damage =:-page 373.
368 Cleaning and maintenance
• Never exceed the top speed and load permitted for the tyres that are fitted =:o page 375.
• Protect the wheels, including the spare wheel, from contact with corrosive substances, including oils, lubricants, fuel and brake fluid =:o &.
• Replace missing dust caps immediately.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have been de-veloped to roll in one direction only. An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on tyres with directional tread =:o page 375. The di-rection of rotation must be adhered to. This is the only guarantee for optimum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise and wear.
If, however, the tyre is fitted in the opposite direc-tion to the tread pattern, you must take more care when driving as the tyre is now no longer being used according to its designation. This is particu-larly important on wet roads. The tyres must be re-placed as quickly as possible or be fitted with the tread in the correct direction.
Rotating wheels front to rear
Regularly rotating the wheels as shown in the illus-tration =:o Fig. 280 is recommended to help ensure that tyres wear evenly. All the tyres will then last for about the same time.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends having the wheels changed by a qualified work-shop.
Tyres that are older than 6 years
Tyres age through physical and chemical process-es that can impair their function. Tyres that are stored unused for an extended period will harden and become brittle more quickly than tyres which are in constant use.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends re-placing tyres that are more than 6 years old with new tyres. This also applies for tyres, including the spare wheel, which appear to still be in good con-dition and whose tread depth has not yet reached the minimum value stipulated by legislation =:o &.
The age of a tyre can be determined from the man-ufacturing date, which Is a component of the tyre identification number (TIN) =:o page 375. .,..