Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be
collected then disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way.
Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant
Fig. 229 In the engine compartment: markings on the coolant expansion tank.
Fig. 230 In the engine compartment: coolant expansion tank cap (illustration).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The warning lamp for the engine coolant will light up if the engine coolant level is too low.
Preparation
•Park the vehicle on a firm and level surface.
•Allow the engine to cool down ⇒.
•Open the bonnet ⇒ In the engine compartment.
•The coolant expansion tank is identified by the symbol on the cap ⇒ Fig. 230.
Checking the coolant level
•When the engine is cold, check the coolant level on the side markings of the engine coolant
expansion tank ⇒ Fig. 229. The engine coolant level must be between the marks.
•Refill coolant if the liquid level in the coolant expansion tank is below the minimum marking
(min). When the engine is warm, the engine coolant level may be slightly above the maximum
(MAX) mark.
Refilling coolant
•Always protect your face, hands and arms from hot coolant or steam by placing a suitable cloth
on the cap of the coolant expansion tank.
•Unscrew the cap carefully ⇒.
•Refill only new coolant according to the Volkswagen specification ⇒ Coolant specification⇒
.
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 expect the vehicle to be exposed to.
•Coolant can freeze at extremely cold outside temperatures, causing the vehicle to
break down. Vehicle occupants with inadequate winter clothing could then freeze to
death as the heating will also no longer function.
WARNING
Never mix genuine coolant additives with other coolants that have not been approved by
Volkswagen. Mixing other coolants could cause serious damage to the engine and cooling
system.
•If the liquid in the coolant expansion tank is not pink (colouring results from mixing the
purple coolant additive with distilled water) but for example, brown instead, - G 13 - has
been mixed with an unsuitable coolant. The coolant must be changed as soon as
possible if this is the case. Failure to observe this point can result in serious faults or
engine damage.
NOTICE
•Only top up coolant if there is coolant residue in the expansion tank. If this is not observed, the
engine could be damaged. If you cannot see any coolant in the expansion tank do not drive
on. Seek professional assistance.
•If you can see coolant residue in the coolant expansion tank, refill coolant until the level remains
stable.
•The coolant level must be between the marks on the coolant expansion tank ⇒ Fig. 229. Do
not fill above the top edge of the marked area⇒.
•Close the cap tightly.
•If in an emergency you do not have access to the required specification ⇒ Coolant
specification, do not use any other coolant additive! Instead, initially refill with distilled water⇒
only. Then add the correct proportion of coolant additive as soon as possible ⇒ Coolant
specification.
Brake fluid
Hot steam or coolant can cause serious burns.
•Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or engine coolant coming out of
the engine compartment. Always wait until you can no longer see or hear escaping
steam or coolant.
•Always allow the engine to cool down completely before carefully opening the bonnet.
Hot components can burn the skin.
•The following points should be noted before opening the bonnet once the engine has
cooled down:
- Switch on the electronic parking brake and move the selector lever to position P
or move the gear lever to the neutral position.
- Switch off the ignition and remove the vehicle key from the ignition lock.
- Always keep children away from the engine compartment and never leave the
vehicle unattended.
•The cooling system is under pressure 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
downward 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 fluids 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.
WARNING
•Refill only with distilled water. All other types of water can cause corrosion in the
engine due to the chemical components contained therein. This can also lead to engine
failure. If any other type of water than distilled water is refilled, the fluid in the cooling
system should be completely replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.
•Do not fill coolant above the top of the marked area ⇒ Fig. 229. Otherwise the excess
coolant will be pressed out of the cooling system 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 indication 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 have entered the cooling system. Do not drive on! Seek expert assistance. Failure
to do so can result in engine damage.
•When topping up service fluids, please ensure that you pour the correct service fluids
into the correct openings. The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious
malfunctions and engine damage.
NOTICE
Displays: use a Volkswagen Genuine cleaning cloth (- 000 096 166 A -) with a little water, a
suitable glass cleaner or LCD cleaner. Do not clean displays with a dry cloth.
Rubber seals: clean with a soft, lint-free cloth and plenty of water. Treat with Volkswagen Genuine
rubber care agent (- 000 096 310 -) on a regular basis.
Seat belts: carefully pull the seat belt right out and leave it out ⇒. Remove large particles of dirt
with a soft brush. Clean the seat belt with a mild soap solution. Leave the belt fabric to dry
completely and then allow it to roll up.
Wooden trims: clean with a soft cloth and some mild soap solution.
Cleaning upholstery fabrics
If clothing that is not sufficiently colour-fast, e.g. denim, leaves stains on the seat cushion, this does
not a defect in the cover fabric. The seat padding may contain components for the airbag system
and electrical connections. Seat padding that is damaged, incorrectly cleaned or treated, or that
becomes wet, may cause damage to the vehicle electrical system or trigger a fault in the airbag
system ⇒.
Depending on the equipment, seat cushions with seat heating feature electrical components and
connectors that may be damaged in the event of incorrect cleaning or treatment ⇒. This can
also result in damage to other parts of the vehicle electrics.
•Do not use high-pressure cleaners, steam cleaners or coolant spray.
•Do not switch on the seat heating to dry the seats.
•Do not use washing paste or fine detergent solutions.
•Avoid getting the seat wet.
•In the event of uncertainty, contact a Volkswagen dealership.
Mild soap solution: a maximum of two tablespoons of neutral soap diluted in one litre of water.
Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of
parts
Accessories and parts
Volkswagen recommends that you seek advice from a Volkswagen dealership before purchasing
accessories, replacement parts or service fluids, for example if the vehicle is to be retrofitted with
accessories or if parts have to be renewed. Volkswagen dealerships can recommend accessories,
parts and service fluids suitable for your requirements. They can also answer any questions you
might have regarding official regulations.
Volkswagen recommends you use only approved Volkswagen accessories and Volkswagen
Genuine Parts. These parts and accessories have been specially tested by Volkswagen for
suitability, reliability and safety. And Volkswagen dealerships are qualified to install them correctly.
Although the market is constantly scrutinised, Volkswagen cannot assume responsibility for the
reliability, safety and suitability of products Volkswagen has not approved. Volkswagen can
therefore assume no responsibility for these parts, even if they have been approved by an official
testing agency or are covered by an official approval certificate.
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct effect on the control of the vehicle must be
approved by Volkswagen for use in your vehicle and bear the e mark (the European Union's
1)
Failure to clean the parts properly can cause damage to the seat belts, the fastenings and
the belt retractor.
•Never use chemical cleaning agents on the seat belts or their components. The seat
belts must also not come into contact with corrosive fluids, solvents or sharp objects.
•Dry the cleaned seat belt fully before allowing it to retract.
•Avoid allowing foreign bodies or liquids to enter the slot for the seat belt buckle.
•Never try to repair, modify or remove the seat belts yourself.
WARNING
Incorrect cleaning and care may cause vehicle damage.
•Sharp objects, such as zips, rivets on clothing or belts may damage surfaces. Open
Velcro fasteners can also cause damage.
•Do not use a steam cleaner, brushes or hard sponges etc. for cleaning under any
circumstances.
•To avoid damage, stubborn stains should be removed by a specialist cleaning
company.
NOTICE
1)
®
Third-party services
If you are able to use online services provided by a party other than the manufacturer, these
services are the sole responsibility of the provider in question and are subject to this provider's data
protection policy and terms and conditions of use. Volkswagen has no influence over the content
exchanged in these services.
Please refer to the provider in question for information about the type, scope and purpose of the
collection and use of personal data related to third-party services.
Please note the further information on Volkswagen Car-Net services ⇒ Mobile online
services.
Information stickers and plates
Safety certificates, stickers and plates showing important vehicle operation information are factory-
fitted in the engine compartment and on certain vehicle parts, such as the tank flap, front passenger
sun visor, driver door pillar or under/on the luggage compartment floor.
•Never remove or damage the safety certificates, stickers and plates. They must remain legible
at all times.
•If vehicle parts bearing safety certificates, stickers or plates are removed from the vehicle,
replacement safety certificates, stickers or plates with the same information must be applied
properly to the new parts by the qualified workshop.
Safety certificate
There is a safety certificate on the door pillar of the driver door which states that all necessary
safety standards and specifications from the transport safety authorities of the particular country
were met at the time of production. The month and year of production and the chassis number may
also be listed. Observe notes in the owner's manual.
Fluids in the air conditioning system
Refrigerant in the air conditioning system
The sticker in the engine compartment contains information regarding the type and quantity of
refrigerant used in the vehicle's air conditioning system. The sticker is located at the front of the
engine compartment, close to the coolant filler neck.
SymbolDescription
Warning: the air conditioning system must be serviced by trained specialists.
Type of refrigerant.
Type of lubricating oil.
See workshop information (available only for Volkswagen dealerships).
The air conditioning system must be serviced by trained specialists.
Flammable refrigerant.
Make sure that all components are disposed of correctly. Never install components
that have been taken from old vehicles or recycling facilities.
Incorrect use of the diagnostic interface can cause malfunctions, which can result in
accidents and serious injuries.
•Never read the event memory using the diagnostic interface yourself.
•The event memory should only be read out via the diagnostic interface by a qualified
workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this purpose.
WARNING
Handling the vehicle incorrectly will increase the risk of accident and injuries.
•Comply with legal regulations.
•Observe the owner's manual.
WARNING
Handling the vehicle incorrectly could lead to the vehicle becoming damaged.
•Comply with legal regulations.
•Carry out service jobs in accordance with the specifications.
NOTICE