
Engine oil
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning and indicator lamps
⇒ Engine oil specification
⇒ Checking the engine oil level and refilling engine oil
⇒ Engine oil consumption
⇒ Changing engine oil
Additional information and warnings:
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If possible, only use Volkswagen-approved engine oil ⇒. The engine oils listed are multigrade 
high-lubricity oils.
Engine oils are constantly being developed and improved. A Volkswagen dealership is always kept 
up to date on innovations. Volkswagen therefore recommends having engine oil changes done by a 
Volkswagen dealership.
The quality of the engine oil is not only tailored to the requirements of engines and exhaust gas 
treatment systems, but also to fuel quality. Due to the way in which a combustion engine works, 
engine oil always comes into contact with combustion residues and fuel, which has a knock-on 
effect on the ageing process of the oil.
The quality of fuels can vary greatly between individual markets and this must be taken into account 
when selecting the correct engine oil.
The use of engine oils compliant with the VW 504 00 requires a fuel quality compliant with EN 228 
(petrolyf  R U  I X H O  R I  D Q G  H T X L Y D O H Q W  T X D O L W \   Engine oils compliant with VW 504 00 are therefore 
unsuitable for use in a large number of markets.
Permitted engine oil 
specifications ⇒
Alternative engine oil 
specifications⇒
Engine 
type
Fixed service QI1, QI2, QI3, 
QI4, QI7 (based on 
time/distance travelledyf
Only in the EU, Switzerland, 
Norway, Japan and Australia
Petrol 
enginesVW 502 00VW 504 00
Natural gas 
engineVW 502 00-----
 Alternative engine oil specifications may only be used in fixed services QI1, QI2, QI3, QI4 and 
QI7, and only when fuel of a quality compliant with EN 228 (petrolyf   R U  I X H O  R I  D Q  H T X L Y D O H Q W  T X D O L W \   
is available in the particular country.
Checking the engine oil level and refilling engine oil
Fig. 121 Oil dipstick with markings
Fig. 122 In the engine compartment: engine oil filler cap
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
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With the engine at operating temperature, park the vehicle on a level surface to ensure 
that the engine oil reading is correct.
Switch off the engine and wait a few minutes for the engine oil to flow back into the sump.
Open the bonnet .
Identify the engine oil filler cap and oil dipstick. The engine oil filler opening bears the 
symbol  on the cap and the oil dipstick has a coloured handle. If you cannot find the cap 
and dipstick please contact a qualified workshop.
Pull the dipstick out of the guide tube and wipe it off with a clean cloth.
Insert the oil dipstick into the guide tube again as far as it will go. If there is a marking on 
the oil dipstick, this marking must fit in the corresponding groove at the top end of the 
guide tube when inserting.
After reading the oil level, push the oil dipstick back into the guide tube as far as it will go.
Unscrew the engine oil filler opening cap .
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 lyf .
To avoid overfilling, wait for approximately one minute after each pour to allow the engine 
oil to flow into the oil sump up to the marking on the engine oil dipstick.
Read the engine oil level from the dipstick again before refilling with a further small 
quantity of engine oil. Never overfill engine oil .
After the refilling procedure, the engine oil level should be at least in the centre of area Ⓑ, 
but never above area Ⓐ .
After refilling, screw the engine oil filler cap back on correctly.
Reinsert the oil dipstick correctly into the guide tube as far as it will go.
Close the bonnet correctly .
Checklist
Carry out the steps in the specified order ⇒:
Pull the dipstick out again and read the engine oil level on the dipstick as follows: Ⓐ: do not 
refill oil . Proceed to step 15. Ⓑ: oil can be refilled (approximately 0.5 lyf   3 U R F H H G  W R  V W H S    
or 15. Ⓒ: oil must be refilled (approximately 1.0 lyf   3 U R F H H G  W R  V W H S   .
The engine oil level must never be above area ⇒ Fig. 121Ⓐ. Otherwise oil can be drawn in 
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the exhaust system.
Engine oil consumption
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Engine oil consumption can vary from engine to engine and can change during the working life of 
an engine.
Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the car is used, oil consumption can be up 
to 1.0 litre/2,000 km \f

Changing engine oil
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The engine oil must be changed regularly in accordance with the data given in the service 
schedule.
The engine oil and filter should always be changed, and used oil disposed of, by a qualified 
workshop due to the special tools and knowledge required. Volkswagen recommends using a 
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
More details on the service intervals can be found in the service schedule.
Additives in the engine oil can cause new engine oil to discolour quickly. This is normal and does 
not mean that the engine oil should be changed more frequently.
Before changing the engine oil, first find out where old oil can be disposed of properly near 
you.
Used oil must be disposed of in accordance with regulations governing the protection of the 
environment. Never dispose of old oil in locations such as gardens, woods, sewerage systems, on 
streets and roads, or in rivers and waterways.
Coolant
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Warning lamp for coolant
⇒ Coolant specification
⇒ Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant
Never carry out any work on the engine coolant system if you are not familiar with the requisite 
procedures, or if you do not have access to the correct tools, operating equipment and fluids ⇒. 
The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen 
recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Serious injuries can be caused if work is carried out incorrectly.
Additional information and warnings:
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Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Spilt operating fluids must be 
collected and disposed of properly and with respect for the environment.
Warning lamp for coolant
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is 
switched on. They will switch off after a few seconds.
Lit upPossible causeSolution
Engine coolant temperature is 
too low in vehicles with natural 
gas engine.
Avoid high engine speeds and heavy engine loads.
FlashesPossible causeSolution
Coolant temperature too high.
Do not drive on!
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, and when 
safe to do so. Switch off the engine, leave the 
engine to cool down.
Coolant level too low.
Do not drive on!
After the engine has cooled down, check the 
coolant level and refill engine coolant if the level is 
too low ⇒ Checking the coolant level and refilling 
coolant.
With display --.- in the 
instrument cluster:
fault in the engine cooling 
system.
Do not drive on!
Seek expert assistance.
In some vehicles, the coolant temperature display may be displayed on the screen of the 
portable navigation device (delivered by Volkswagenyf  ⇒ Accessories, modifications, repairs and 
renewal of parts.
Coolant specification
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The cooling system is filled at the factory with a mixture of specially prepared water and at least 
40yb  F R R O D Q W  D G G L W L Y H  G 13 (TL-VW 774 Jyf   7 K H  F R R O D Q W  D G G L W L Y H  L V  G \ H G  S X U S O H   7 K L V  P L [ W X U H  R I  
water and coolant additive gives the necessary frost protection down to -25°C (-13°Fyf  D Q G  S U R W H F W V  
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 proportion of coolant additive must always be at least 
40yb   H Y H Q  L I  D Q W L  I U H H ] H  L V  Q R W  U H T X L U H G  L Q  Z D U P  Z H D W K H U  D Q G  Z D U P  F O L P D W H V .
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 60yb   D V  W K L V  Z R X O G  
reduce the frost protection and the cooling effect.
When topping up the coolant, a mixture of distilled water and at least 40yb  F R R O D Q W  D G G L W L Y H  - G 13 -
or - G 12 plus-plus - (TL-VW 774 Gyf   E R W K  R I  Z K L F K  D U H  G \ H G  S X U S O H \f must be used in order to obtain 
the optimum corrosion protection ⇒. Mixing - G 13 - with the coolant additives - G 12 plus - (TL-
VW 774 Fyf   - G 12 - (dyed redyf  R U  - G 11 - (dyed blue-greenyf  Z L O O  V L J Q L I L F D Q W O \  G H F U H D V H  W K H  O H Y H O  R I  
corrosion protection and should therefore be avoided ⇒.
Failure to observe the warning lamps could lead to your vehicle breaking down in traffic, and 
to accidents and serious injuries.
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In the interests of environmental protection, the vehicle should only be washed in specially 
provided wash bays. This prevents waste water contaminated with oil, grease or fuel from entering 
the sewerage system. In some countries, washing vehicles anywhere else may be prohibited.
Environmentally-friendly care products should be used.
Leftover car care products should not be disposed of with ordinary household waste. Read 
the manufacturer's instructions.
Washing the vehicle
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The longer substances such as insects, bird droppings, resinous tree sap, road dirt, industrial 
deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other corrosive materials remain on the vehicle, the more 
damage they do to the paintwork. High temperatures (for instance in strong sunlightyf  I X U W K H U  
intensify the corrosive effect. 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 vehicle such as spoilers, roof luggage carrier systems or radio aerials ⇒.
The paint is hard-wearing enough for the car to be generally washed in an automatic car wash. 
However, the effect on the paint depends to a large extent on the design of the car wash. 
Volkswagen recommends the use of car washes without brushes.
To remove any waxy residue from the windows and to stop wipers rubbing, please note the 
following ⇒ 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 thoroughly at regular intervals.
Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. last. Use a different sponge for this purpose.
Car care products can be toxic and hazardous. Unsuitable care products and incorrect 
application of care products can cause accidents, serious injuries, burns or poisoning.
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Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
Moisten the windows and exterior mirrors with commercially available, alcohol-based glass cleaner.
Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a lint-free cloth. Chamois leathers that have 
been used on painted surfaces are not suitable for use on glass surfaces. They will be soiled with 
wax deposits which could smear the surfaces.
Use window cleaner or a silicone remover to clean off rubber, oil, grease and silicone deposits ⇒
.
Removing wax
Car washes and care products could leave wax deposits on the glass surfaces. Wax residue can 
only be removed using a special cleaning product or cleaning cloths. Wax deposits on the 
windscreen can cause the wiper blades to rub. Volkswagen recommends using a glass cleaning 
cloth - G 052 522 A1 - to remove wax deposits from the windows and exterior mirrors each time the 
vehicle is washed.
A window cleaner specifically for removing wax will stop the blades rubbing if added to the 
windscreen wash water. Dilute the cleaner as instructed. Grease removing cleaners will not remove 
wax deposits ⇒.
Special cleaners, glass cleaners and glass cleaning cloths are available from Volkswagen 
dealerships.
Removing snow
Use a small brush to remove snow from the windows and exterior mirrors.
Removing ice
The best method for removing ice is to use a de-icer spray. If you use an ice scraper, do not move 
it to and fro, but push it in one direction only. Moving the ice scraper backwards can cause dirt to 
scratch the window.
The incorrect use of a high-pressure cleaner can cause visible and invisible long-term 
damage to tyres and other materials. This can cause accidents and serious injuries.
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recommends that the protective coating on the underside of the vehicle and on the running gear 
should be checked regularly and repaired if necessary.
Cleaning the engine compartment
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a hazardous area ⇒ Preparation for working in the 
engine compartment.
The engine compartment should be cleaned by a qualified workshop. An incorrect cleaning 
procedure could possibly remove corrosion protection and damage electrical components. 
Furthermore, water could enter the vehicle interior directly via the plenum chamber ⇒.
If the engine compartment is very dirty, we recommend that you always proceed to a qualified 
workshop to have it cleaned by a professional mechanic. Volkswagen recommends using a 
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
Plenum chamber
The plenum chamber is located in the engine compartment between the windscreen and the engine 
and has a perforated cover. Air from outside is drawn in from the plenum chamber and is passed 
into the vehicle interior via the heating and air conditioning system.
Leaves and other loose objects must be removed from the cover of the plenum chamber at regular 
intervals using a vacuum cleaner or by hand.
In the interests of environmental protection, the engine compartment should be washed only 
in specially provided wash bays. This prevents toxic waste water containing oil, grease and fuel 
from entering the sewerage system. In some districts, washing the engine compartment anywhere 
else may be prohibited.
Cleaning and caring for the interior
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
⇒ Seat covers
⇒ Cleaning cloth seat covers, fabric trim and Alcantara upholstery
⇒ Cleaning and caring for natural leather covers
⇒ Cleaning leatherette upholstery
⇒ Cleaning stowage compartments, drink holders and ash trays
⇒ Cleaning and caring for the dash panel, wooden trims and plastic parts
⇒ Cleaning seat belts
Modern fabrics, such as dark denim, are often not colourfast. Light-coloured upholstery (soft 
materials or leatheryf  L V  S D U W L F X O D U O \  V H Q V L W L Y H  W R  V W D L Q L Q J  F D X V H G  E \  W K H V H  I D E U L F V   H Y H Q  L I  \ R X  D U H  
careful. This is not caused by a fault in the upholstery, but by the non-colourfast nature of the 
garments.
Leaving stains, dirt and other deposits on the surface of vehicle components and cloth seat covers 
for a long time can make it difficult to clean and treat them. Stains, dirt and deposits may become 
impossible to remove, particularly if left for a long time.
Additional information and warnings:
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