Cleaning and maintenance
In the engine compartment
Preparation for working in the engine compartment
ClJ Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352 Opening and closing the bonnet 352
Always park the vehicle on a level and stable sur-face before carrying out any work in the engine compartment.
The engine compartment of a motor vehicle is a hazardous area. Never carry out any work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not familiar with the requisite procedures and general safety requirements, or if you only have access to incorrect operating equipment, service fluids, and unsuitable tools &. The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Serious injuries can be caused if work is carried out incorrectly.
Additional information and warnings:
• Exterior views 5
• Wipers/washer 116
• Starting and stopping the engine 257
• Brake fluid 269
• Pull-away assist systems (starUstop system) 282
• Checks when filling the tank 340
• Engine oil 353
• Engine coolant 358
• Battery page 362
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts 394
A wARNING
Unintentional vehicle movements during service work can cause serious injury.
• Never work underneath a vehicle if it is not secured against rolling away. If you are working underneath the vehicle while the wheels are on the ground, the vehicle must
350 I Cleanmg and maintenance
A WARNING (Continued)
be on a level, the wheels must be blocked and the vehicle key must be removed from the ignition lock.
• If you have to work underneath the vehi-cle, use suitable stands to provide extra sup-port for the vehicle. The vehicle jack is not sufficient for this task and can fail, which can lead to serious injuries.
• The start/stop system must have been de-activated.
A WARNING
The engine compartment of any motor vehi-cle is a dangerous area. Serious injuries can be sustained here.
• The utmost care and attention must be paid when carrying out any work and you must follow the general safety rules. Never take any risks.
• Never do any work on the engine or in the engine compartment unless you know exact-ly how to carry it out. If you are uncertain of what to do, the work should be carried out by a qualified workshop. Serious Injuries can re-sult from work that has not been carried out properly.
• Never open the bonnet if you see steam or coolant escaping from the engine compart-ment. Hot steam or coolant can cause seri-ous burns. Always wait until you can no lon-ger see or hear steam or coolant coming from the engine compartment.
• Always allow the engine to cool down be-fore opening the bonnet.
• Hot parts of the engine or exhaust system 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. .,..
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.
• 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.
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.
Washing the vehicle
r-f'n First read and observe the introductory Information and safety warnings & on page 380.
The longer substances such as insects, bird drop-pings, resinous tree sap, road dirt, industrial de-posits, tar, soot or road salt and other corrosive materials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they do to the paintwork. High temperatures (for in-stance in strong sunlight) accelerate the corrosion process. The underside of the vehicle should also be cleaned thoroughly and regularly.
Car washes
Please observe the signs on the automatic car wash. Before using an automatic car wash take the usual precautions, such as closing all windows and folding in the exterior mirrors, in order to avoid damage to the vehicle. You must consult the car wash operator if there are special parts on your ve-hicle such as spoilers, roof luggage carrier systems or radio aerials ::.CD.
The paint is so hard-wearing that the car can nor-mally be washed without problems in an automatic car wash. However, the effect on the paint de-pends to a large extent on the design of the car wash. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recom-mends the use of car washes without brushes.
To remove any wax residue from the windows and to stop wipers rubbing, please note the following points ::.page 382, Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors.
Washing the car by hand
When washing by hand, first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse off as well as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a glove or a brush using only light pressure. Start with the roof and work from the top to the bottom. Use a shampoo for very stubborn dirt only.
The sponge or glove should be wrung out thor-oughly at regular intervals.
Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. last. Use a differ-ent sponge for this purpose.
A WARNING
Parts of the vehicle with sharp edges can cause Injury.
• Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp parts, for example when cleaning the underbody or the inside of the wheel hous-lngs.
A WARNING
After the car has been washed, the braking effect could set in later than normal and ex-tend the braking distance as the brake discs and brake pads will be wet, or iced up In win-ter.
• You can "dry and de-ice" the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Make sure that you do not endanger any oth-er road users or violate any legal regulations when doing so.
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• The water should be no warmer than +so•c (+140.FJ.
• Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight in order to avoid damage to the vehicle palntwork.
• Never clean with insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar products as these can damage the surface.
• Never clean the headlights with a dry cloth or sponge. Always use a wet cloth or sponge. lt is best to use soapy water.
• Washing the vehicle In cold weather: if the vehicle is rinsed with a hose, do not direct the water at the lock cylinders or the gaps around the doors, boot, or bonnet. The locks and seals could freeze.
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Observe the following guidelines before driving the vehicle into an automatic car wash in order to avoid damage to the vehicle:
• Ensure that the gap between the guide rails In the car wash is sufficient for the vehicle track. If the track is too narrow your wheels and tyres will be damaged.
• Switch off the rain sensor before driving the vehicle Into an automatic car wash.
• Check that the car wash is tall and wide enough for your vehicle.
• Fold In the exterior mirrors. Electrically fold-Ing exterior mirrors must be moved electrically. Do not fold them in and out by hand.
• In order to prevent damage to the palntwork on the bonnet, fold the wipers back onto the windscreen after drying the wiper blades. Do not drop the wipers onto the glass.
• Lock the tailgate to prevent it from opening accidentally In the car wash.
If and when
Practical tips
Frequently asked questions
If you suspect that a vehicle fault has arisen or your vehicle has been damaged, read and observe the following information before contacting a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership or
qualified workshop. You may also find useful infor-mation in the index under the headings "Things to note" or "Checklist".
To note Some possible causes Possible solution
Vehicle battery is discharged. -How to jump start =>page 443. -Recharge vehicle battery 362.
Engine does not start. The incorrect vehicle key is be-Use a valid vehicle key 36. ing used.
Fuel level is too low. Fill the tank 340.
Supplementary heating system Switch off the supplementary heating
Smoke is coming from the is running. system 332. wing. Supplementary heater is run-No solution 345. ning.
-Battery in the remote control -Replace the battery 36. Vehicle cannot be locked or key is flat. -Move closer to the vehicle. unlocked with the remote -Located too far away from the -Synchronise the vehicle key =>page 36. vehicle. control key. -Buttons were pressed outside -Lock or unlock the vehicle manually
the range. 413.
Cold engine. brake assist sys-Refer to the index under entries for Unusual noises. tems, supplementary heating "Noises". system.
Assist systems are active. Refer to the index under entries for "As-sist systems". Unusual handling. DSG® dual clutch gearbox is too Stop the vehicle immediately hot. 266.
Front seats cannot be ad-Vehicle battery is discharged. Recharge vehicle battery 362.
justed electrically. Fuse blown. Check fuse and replace as necessary 429.
The vehicle has no vehicle No direct solutions possible as it depends
jack, spare wheel or break-Equipment depends on type of on the equipment level. Contact a Volks-vehicle. wagen Commercial Vehicles dealership if down set. necessary 416.
-Windows or sliding roof are open. The interior monitoring sys--Item attached to the interior Remove any objects that could trigger a tem triggers a false alarm. mirror is moving. false alarm 44. -A mobile telephone is vibrating inside the vehicle.
Functions are not working Settings have been made in the Check and if necessary reset back to fac-as described in the owner's manual. Volkswagen information system. tory settings 24.
410 I If and when
Making you and your vehicle safe
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Fig. 289 In the middle of the dash panel: hazard warning light switch.
f"'""'('n First read and observe the Introductory L-lo:.U Information and safety warnings Lb. on page 411.
Observe any legislation concerning the safety of a broken down vehicle. For example, many countries stipulate that you have to switch on the hazard warning lights and wear a high-visibility waistcoat =>page 413.
Checklist
To ensure your own safety and the safety of your passengers, observe the following actions in the specified order => &:
1. Stop the vehicle at a safe distance away from moving traffic and on a suitable sur-face=>&.
2. Switch on the hazard warning lights using button =>Fig. 289.
3. Apply the handbrake =>page 269.
4. Select the neutral position or move the se-lector lever to P =>page 260.
5. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition =>page 257.
6. Ensure that all occupants exit the vehicle and go straight to a safe place away from moving traffic, e.g. behind the safety barrier.
7. Take all vehicle keys with you when you leave the vehicle.
8. Place the warning triangle in position to draw the attention of other road users to your vehicle.
9. Allow the engine to cool down and seek ex-pert assistance.
4121 If and when
When the hazard warning lights are switched on, for example if the vehicle is being towed, a change in direction or lane change can still be indicated by operating the turn signal. The warning lights will be interrupted temporarily.
Switch on the hazard warning lights:
• When traffic ahead suddenly starts moving more slowly or you reach the tail end of a traffic jam, to will warn vehicles behind you.
• When there is an emergency.
• When the vehicle breaks down.
• When the vehicle is being towed.
Always follow local regulations for the use of the hazard warning lights.
If the hazard warning lights are not working, use an alternative method of drawing attention to the bro-ken-down vehicle. This method must comply with traffic legislation.
A WARNING
Ignoring any of the items on this important safety checklist can lead to accidents and se-vere Injuries.
• Always follow the Instructions In the checklist and observe the general safety pro-cedures.
A wARNING
The components of the exhaust system be-come very hot. This can cause fires and seri-ous Injuries.
• Park the vehicle so that no part of the ex-haust system can come Into contact with any Inflammable material underneath the vehicle, e.g. dry grass, fuel.
m The vehicle battery will discharge if the haz-L.:!J ard warning lights are left on over a long peri-od of time -even when the Ignition is switched off.
m If you brake hard at speeds over approxi-L.:!J mately 60 km/h (37 mph), the brake lights will flash to warn the traffic behind. If you then continue to brake, the hazard warning lights will be switched on automatically at speeds under approximately 10 km/h (6 mph). The brake light will light up stead-Ily. Once the vehicle starts to accelerate, the haz-ard warning lights will switch off again.
Additional information and warnings:
• Pull-away assist systems 282
• Preparation for working in the engine compart-ment 350
• Battery 362
A WARNING
Using the jump leads Incorrectly or complet-ing the jump start procedure incorrectly can cause the battery to explode, which can lead to severe Injuries. Please note the following In order to reduce the risk of the battery ex-ploding:
• All work on the vehicle battery and the electrical system can cause serious chemical burns, fire or electric shocks. Always read the warnings and safety Information before carrying out any kind of work on the vehicle battery 362, Vehicle battery.
• The vehicle battery providing assistance must have approximately the same voltage as the flat vehicle battery (12-volts) and approxi-mately the same capacity (see Imprint on bat-tery).
• Never charge a vehicle battery once it has been frozen. Discharged vehicle batteries can even freeze at temperatures of around o•c (+32"F).
• The battery should be replaced if it is or has ever been frozen.
A WARNING (Continued)
• A highly explosive mixture of gases Is giv-en off when the vehicle battery Is jump star-ted. Always keep fire, sparks, naked flames and lit cigarettes away from the vehicle bat-tery. Never use a mobile telephone when the jump leads are being connected or discon-nected.
• Only charge the battery in a well-ventila-ted space as the battery emits a highly explo-sive mixture of gases when the vehicle Is be-Ing jump started.
• Position the jump leads so that they never come Into contact with any moving parts In the engine compartment.
• Never confuse the negative and positive terminals or connect the jump leads Incor-rectly.
• Observe the jump lead manufacturer's In-structions.
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Please note the following In order to avoid con-siderable damage to the vehicle electrical sys-tem:
• A short circuit can be caused If the jump leads are wrongly connected.
• The vehicles must not touch each other, as any contact could mean that electricity could flow as soon as the positive terminals are con-nected.
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Fig. 318 How to connect the jump leads in start-ing vehicles without start/stop system: discharged battery
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Fig. 319 How to connect the jump leads in start-ing vehicles with start/stop system: discharged bat-tery