area Fig. 186otorway journeys in summer, when towing a
trailer Trailer towing
Checking the engine oil level and refilling the engine oil
Fig. 186 Engine oil level markings on the oil dipstick (variants).
Fig. 187 In the engine compartment: engine oil filler cap (illustration).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
Key to Fig. 186
Engine oil level too high observe the messages on the instrument cluster display or contact a
qualified workshop, if necessary.
Do not fill engine oil.
Engine oil level OK.
Engine oil level too low fill engine oil.
Checklist
Carry out the steps in the specified order
lfunctions and engine
damage.
The engine oil level must never be above area Fig. 186
the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the exhaust system.
Troubleshooting
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
and Engine oil pressure too low
The central warning lamp lights up red and the text message Stop vehicle. Oil pressure. Observe
vehicle wallet is displayed.
Do not drive on!
Switch off the engine and check the engine oil level. Checking the engine oil level Checking the
Do not drive on or allow the engine to run if the
warning lamp is flashing although the engine oil level is correct. The engine could otherwise be
damaged. Seek expert assistance.
and Engine oil level too low
The central warning lamp lights up red and the text message Refill engine oil. is displayed.
Engine oil level is too low. Switch off the engine.
Checking the engine oil level Checking the engine oil level and refilling the engine oil
and Engine oil level low
The central warning lamp lights up yellow and the text message Check oil level. is displayed.
Engine oil level is low. Switch off the engine.
Checking the engine oil level Checking the engine oil level and refilling the engine oil
and Fault in engine oil system
The central warning lamp lights up yellow and the text message Oil sensor: workshop. is displayed.
Engine oil system is faulty. Go to a qualified workshop and have the engine oil sensor checked.
and Engine oil level too high
The central warning lamp lights up yellow and the text message Reduce oil level. is displayed.
Engine oil level is too high. Switch off the engine.
Check the engine oil level. Checking the engine oil level Checking the engine oil level and refilling
the engine oil
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the followingsubjects:
Coolant specification
Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant
Do not work on the cooling system unless you are familiar with the task, aware of the general safety
procedures and have the correct equipment, service fluids and suitable tools. Serious injuries can be
caused by carrying out work incorrectly
workshop if you are uncertain. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealership for this
purpose.
WARNING
Coolant is toxic.
ce.
-original containers as
people finding these containers may then drink the coolant.
ct coolant additive used must be sufficient for the lowest
ambient temperature that you expect the vehicle to be exposed to.
Vehicle occupants with inadequate winter clothing could then freeze to death as the heating will
also no longer function.
Coolant and coolant additives can pollute the environment. Spilt service fluids must be collected
then disposed of properly and in an environmentally responsible way.
Coolant specification
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
The cooling system is filled at the factory with a mixture of specially prepared water and at least 40%
coolant additive G 13 (TL-VW 774 J).
The proportion of engine coolant additive must always be at least 40% to protect the cooling system.
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
reduce the frost protection again and the cooling effect.
Fig. 188 In the engine compartment: markings on the coolant expansion tank.
Fig. 189 In the engine compartment: coolant expansion tank cap (illustration).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
The warning lamp for the engine coolant will light up if the engine coolant level is too low.
Preparations
nnet In the engine compartment
on the cap Fig. 189
Checking the coolant level
tank Fig. 188
When the engine is warm, the engine coolant level may be slightly above the maximum (MAX) mark.
Refilling coolant
the cap of the coolant expansion tank.
Coolant specification
Refill only with distilled water. All other types of water can cause corrosion in the engine due to
the chemical components contained in the water. This can also lead to engine failure. If any other
type of water apart from distilled water has been refilled, the fluid in the cooling system should be
completely replaced immediately by a qualified workshop.
Fig. 188
be forced out of the cooling system when the engine is hot and could cause damage.
completely. Heavy coolant loss is an indication of leaks in the cooling system. The cooling system
should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in engine
damage.
have entered the cooling system. Do not drive on! Seek expert assistance. Failure to do so can result
in engine damage.
correct openings. The use of incorrect service fluids could result in serious malfunctions and engine
damage.
Brake fluid
Fig. 190 In the engine compartment: cap on the brake fluid reservoir.
Brake fluid will gradually absorb water from the surrounding air over the course of time. The brake
system will be damaged if there is too much water in the brake fluid. The boiling point of the brake
fluid is also considerably reduced by the water content. Heavy use of the brakes and full braking may
cause a vapour lock in the brake system if the water content is too high. Vapour locks reduce levels
of braking power, considerably increase braking distance and can even cause the brake system to fail
completely. Your own safety and that of other road users depends on having a brake system that
functions properly at all times
Brake fluid specification
Volkswagen has developed a brake fluid that has been optimised for the brake system in the vehicle.
To ensure optimal operation of the brake system, Volkswagen expressly recommends the use of
brake fluid compliant with VW standard 501 14.
Before using a particular brake fluid, check that the brake fluid specifications printed on the
container correspond to the vehicle requirements.
standard 501 14 is available from Volkswagen dealerships.
If this brake fluid is not available and it is necessary to use another high-quality brake fluid instead,
brake fluid that is compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 can be
used.
Not all brake fluids that are compliant with DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4
have the same chemical composition. Some of these brake fluids may contain chemicals that can
damage or destroy brake system components over time.
Volkswagen therefore recommends the use of brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14
to ensure sustained proper operation of the brake system.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14 fulfils the requirements of DIN ISO 4925
CLASS 4 or US standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4.
Brake fluid level
The brake fluid level must always be between the MIN and MAX marking on the brake fluid reservoir
or above the MIN marking
The brake fluid level cannot be checked accurately in all models as engine components may partially
conceal the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir. If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly,
please go to a qualified workshop.
The brake fluid level drops slightly during vehicle operation as the brake pads wear and the brakes
are automatically adjusted.
Brake fluid level
The indicator lamp lights up red.
Brake fluid level is too low.
Do not drive on! Check the brake fluid level.
If the brake fluid level is too low, inform a qualified workshop. Have the brake system checked.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a
Volkswagen dealership for this purpose. Only brake fluid that conforms with the required
specification should be used.
WARNING
Brake failure or reduced braking efficiency can be caused by the brake fluid level being too low or by
brake fluid that is too old or unsuitable.
Fig. 192 Battery window on the top of the 12-volt vehicle battery (illustration).
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings
The electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery should be checked regularly in high-mileage
vehicles, in hot countries and in older 12-volt vehicle batteries. The 12-volt vehicle battery is
otherwise maintenance-free.
Vehicles with an auxiliary heater Auxiliary heater and ventilationare fitted with special vehicle
batteries. The electrolyte level of these 12-volt vehicle batteries cannot be checked for technical
reasons. Go to a qualified workshop to have the 12-volt vehicle battery checked.
Preparations
eparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment In the engine compartment
In the engine compartment
Checking the electrolyte level (12-volt vehicle batteries with battery window)
e for you to clearly see the colour indicator in the round
battery window on the top of the 12-volt vehicle battery Fig. 192(arrow). Never use naked
flames or glowing objects as a light source.
s according to the electrolyte level in the
12-volt vehicle battery.
Light yellow or without colourThe electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is too low. The 12-
volt vehicle battery should be checked and replaced by a qualified workshop if necessary.BlackThe
electrolyte level of the 12-volt vehicle battery is correct.
WARNING
Any work on the 12-volt vehicle battery can cause serious chemical burns, explosions and electric
shocks.
-volt vehicle battery
-volt vehicle
battery.
e cable and then the negative cable
Various indicator lamps may light up after the 12-volt vehicle battery has been connected and the
ignition is switched on. They will go out when you drive a short distance at a speed of approximately
15 20 km/h (10 12 mph). If the indicator lamps remain lit up, the vehicle should be checked by a
qualified workshop.
If the 12-volt vehicle battery was disconnected for an extended period, the system may not able to
calculate or correctly display the time when the next service is due Instrument cluster
the maximum permissible service intervals Service
Automatic switch-off for electrical consumers
The intelligent vehicle electrical system management function automatically implements a range of
measures to prevent the 12-volt vehicle battery from discharging under high loads:
power supply to the 12-volt socket and the cigarette lighter may be interrupted temporarily
while the engine is being started.
The vehicle electrics management system cannot always prevent the 12-volt vehicle battery from
being discharged, for example if the ignition is left on over a long period with the engine off or the
side lights or parking lights are left on over a long period of time.
12-volt vehicle battery is discharged
gnition is switched on.
Auxiliary heater and ventilation
WARNING
Incorrectly mounting the battery and using incorrect 12-volt vehicle batteries can cause short
circuits, fire and serious injuries.
-free and leak-proof 12-volt vehicle batteries that have the same
properties, specifications and dimensions as the factory-fitted 12-volt vehicle battery.
WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the 12-volt vehicle battery is being charged.