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.
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.
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IJ
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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. .,..
Check the condition of the wiper blades on a regu-lar basis. Rubbing wiper blades should be changed if damaged or cleaned if dirty
Damaged wiper blades should be replaced imme-diately. Wiper blades can be bought from a quali-fied workshop.
Cleaning wiper blades
Note for the front wipers: move the wiper arms to the service position before lifting them 116.
• When lifting the wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
• Clean the wiper blade carefully using a damp cloth
• Place the wiper arm back onto the windscreen.
Changing the wiper blades
• Move the wiper arms to the service position be-fore lifting 116.
• When lifting the wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
• Press and hold the release button 285 G) and simultaneously pull off the wiper blade in the direction of the arrow.
• Insert a new wiper blade with the same length and design onto the wiper arm. Push it on until it engages.
• Place the wiper arm back onto the windscreen.
Changing the wiper blade for the rear window
• When lifting the wiper arm hold it only by the wiper blade mounting.
• Lift and fold back the wiper arm.
Waxing and polishing the vehicle
r--f"n First read and observe the Introductory L-J,::,JJ Information and safety warnings & on page 380.
Waxing
waxing protects the paintwork. You will need to re-wax the vehicle with a good hard wax if water no longer clearly forms small drops and runs off the paintwork when it is clean.
Even if a wax solution is used regularly in the car wash, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recom-mends protecting the paint with a coat of hard wax at least twice a year.
384 I Cleaning and maintenance
• Release the wiper blade in the direction of the arrow 286 G).
• Pull off the wiper blade in the direction of the ar-row®.
• Insert a new wiper blade with the same length and design on to the wiper arm against the direc-tion of the arrow. Push it on until it engages®.
• Push the release against the direction of the ar-row G) in order to lock the wiper blade.
• Place the wiper arm back onto the rear window.
A WARNING
Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and Increase the risk of accidents and severe Injuries.
• Therefore, always change wiper blades If they are damaged and worn and or longer clean the windscreen properly.
CD
• Damaged or dirty wipers could scratch the windscreen.
• Detergents containing solvents, hard sponges and other sharp objects can damage the graphite coating.
• Do not use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to clean the win-dows.
Polishing Is only necessary If the paint has lost its shine, and the gloss cannot be brought back by applying wax.
The car must be waxed after polishing if the polish used does not contain wax compounds to seal the paint.
CD
• In order to avoid damage, painted parts with a matt finish, plastic parts, headlight lenses and the tail lights should not be treated with polish or hard wax.
• Do not polish your vehicle in a sandy or dusty environment or when the vehicle is dirty.
Cleaning and caring for chrome and aluminium trim parts
r-('n First read and observe the Introductory l..Jo:-1.1 Information and safety warnings & on page 380.
• Use a damp, clean, lint-free and soft cloth to clean the surfaces.
• For heavy soiling use a special solvent-free cleaning product.
• Polish the chrome and aluminium trim parts us-ing a soft, dry cloth.
CD
To ensure that the chrome and aluminium parts are not damaged:
• Do not clean or polish In direct sunlight.
• Do not clean or polish in sandy or dusty en-vironments.
CD
• Do not use any abrasive care products (e.g. cream cleaners).
• Never clean with Insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar products.
• Do not polish any dirty surfaces.
• Do not use solvent-based cleaning prod-ucts.
• Do not use hard wax.
CD
Chrome rims or wheel covers may also have an additional varnish finish and should not be treated using chrome or aluminium cleaning agents or chrome or aluminium polish. A nor-mal commercially available paint cleaning product should be used instead.
r-('n First read and observe the introductory l..Jo:-1.1 information and safety warnings & on page 380.
Decorative film is a design feature and is made up of soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
In the areas of the vehicle where there is decora-tive film, the underlying paint layer is protected from weather and environmental conditions.
If the decorative film remains on the vehicle for a long time, the appearances of paint on the area protected by the decorative film and the area not covered by the film may begin to show differences. This can usually be rectified by polishing.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends that you seek advice from a Volkswagen Commer-cial Vehicles partner or workshop as to a suitable care product.
Durability of the decorative film
Environmental conditions such as sunlight, mois-ture, pollution, stone impact, etc. affect the durabili-ty and colour of the decorative film. Signs of wear and age are normal and do not indicate a defect in quality.
After the decorative film is fitted, bubble formation may appear due to strong summer heat for exam-ple. These bubbles will usually go away without in-tervention. This will not limit the serviceability of the film in any way.
In warm or moderate climates slight bubble forma-tion may be noticeable after two or three years. In warm or hot climates the decorative film can show signs of wear and slight bubble formation may ap-pear after just one year.
Decorative film may become faded within one year in very hot climates, particularly when there is a build-up of heat due to exposure to sunlight.
Cleaning the decorative film
Decorative film is suitable for automatic car washes provided you do not select a programme with hot wax.
Please pay attention to the information and notes on washing the vehicle =>page 381 and on wash-ing using a high-pressure cleaner =>page 382.
When using presprays and vapour jets always maintain a distance of at least 20 cm between the spray nozzle and the decorative film =>CD.
Insect residue, bird droppings, road dirt, industrial deposits. tar, soot, road salt and other aggressive deposits can cause damage to the decorative film.
The longer the aggressive deposits remain on the decorative film, the worse the negative impact will be. High temperatures (for instance in strong sun-light) accelerate the corrosion process. Immediate-ly wash the vehicle thoroughly using warm water or soapy water =>CD. .,.
Vehicle care and maintenance 385
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.
CD
• 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 ,..