2018 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER service schedule

Brake fluid
B7E.02AO
Fig. 225 In the engine compartment: cap on the brake fluid container.
r-111 First read and observe the Introductory l-Jr:,U Information and safety warnings&. on page 269.
Brake fluid will gradually absorb water from the surrounding air. 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 may cause a vapour lock in the brake sys-tem if the water content is too high. Vapour locks reduce levels of braking power, considerably in-crease 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 Commercial Vehicles recommends the use of brake fluid compliant with VW stand-ard 501 14.
Before using a particular brake fluid, check that the specifications printed on the container correspond to the vehicle requirements.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW stand-ard 501 14 is available from Volkswagen Commer-cial Vehicles dealerships.
If this brake fluid is not available and it is necessa-ry 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 com-position. Some of these brake fluids may contain chemicals that can damage or destroy brake sys-tem components over time.
To ensure sustained optimal operation of the brake system, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles there-fore recommends the use of brake fluid that is compliant with VW standard 501 14.
Brake fluid that is compliant with VW stand-ard 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 of the brake fluid container or above the MIN marking &.
The brake fluid level cannot be checked accurately in all models as engine components may partially conceal the brake fluid container. If the brake fluid level cannot be read exactly, please go to a quali-fied workshop.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehi-cle is being used as the brake pads wear and the brakes are automatically adjusted.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid must be changed as indicated in the service schedule Service schedule. The brake fluid should be changed by a qualified workshop. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles rec-ommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehi-cles dealership for this purpose. Only brake fluid that confonns with the required specification should be used.
A WARNING
Brake failure or reduced braking effect can be caused by the brake fluid level being too low or by brake fluid that Is too old or unsuitable.
• The brake system and brake fluid level must be checked regularly.
• The brake fluid should be changed regu-larly, according to the service schedule Service schedule.
• Heavy use of the brakes may cause a va-pour lock If the brake fluid Is left In the sys-tem for too long. Vapour locks reduce levels
Starting the engine, changing gear and parking I 277

Air conditioning system
Heating, ventilating, cooling
o:n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Controls for Climatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Controls for Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Controls for the heating and fresh air system . 327
Information on the air conditioning system . . . 328
..................... m
Air recirculation mode . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Windscreen heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Roof ventilator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Displays for the Climatronic information
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, infor-mation on the Climatronic is displayed briefly on the screen of the factory-fitted radio or navigation system.
The dust and pollen filter
The dust and pollen filter with activated charcoal reduces the level of impurities in the outside air en-tering the vehicle.
The dust and pollen filler must be changed regular-ly to avoid impairing the performance of the air conditioning system.
The dust and pollen filter must be changed more frequently than stated in the service schedule if the efficiency of the filter declines prematurely due to the vehicle being used in areas with high levels of air pollution.
Additional information and warnings:
• Exterior views 5
• Wipers/washer 116
• Supplementary heaters (auxiliary air heater or auxiliary coolant heater) 332
• Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior 380
A WARNING
Poor visibility through all windows increases the risk of collisions and accidents, which can cause serious injuries.
• Always ensure that all windows are free of ice, snow and mist to ensure good visibility.
3221 While driving
A WARNING (Continued)
• Maximum heat output, which Is needed to defrost the windows as quickly as possible, is only available when the engine has reached Its operating temperature. Do not start your journey until you have good visibil-Ity.
• Always ensure that the heating and fresh air system or the air conditioning system and the rear window heating are used correctly so that you have good visibility.
• Never use the air reclrculatlon mode for an extended period. If the cooling system Is switched off, the windows can mist up very quickly In air reclrculatlon mode and reduce visibility considerably.
• Always switch off the air reclrculatlon mode when it Is not required.
A WARNING
Stale air can quickly make the driver tired and affect their concentration, which In turn can cause collisions, accidents and serious Inju-ries.
• Never switch off the blowers or switch on the air recirculatlon mode for an extended pe· riod as this prevents fresh air from entering the vehicle interior.
• Switch off the air conditioning system if you suspect that it has been damaged. This can help to prevent secondary damage. The air conditioning system should be checked by a qualified workshop.
• Repairs to the air conditioning system re-quire specialist knowledge and special tools. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles deal-ership for this purpose.
• Do not insert any objects in the slots of the air outlets. This could cause damage to the air outlets.

Capacities
r--('n First read and observe the introductory L-W.I information and safety warnings & on page 340.
Checks when filling the tank
r--r'n First read and observe the introductory L-W.I information and safety warnings & on page 340.
Checklist
Never carry out any work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not familiar with the necessary procedures and the general safety re-quirements or if the correct operating equipment, fluids and unsuitable tools are not available 350, Preparation for working in the engine compartment! The work should be carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Please en-sure that the following are checked regular1y, pref-erably every time you fill the tank:
..( Windscreen washer fluid level 116
..( Engine oil level 353
Fuel
c:QJ Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Petrol
Diesel ...
344 345
Different engines require different fuels. The facto-ry-fitted sticker on the inside of the tank flap indi-cates the fuel type that is required for your particu-lar vehicle.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends us-ing fuels with a low sulphur content or which are sulphur-free in order to reduce fuel consumption and prevent damage to the engine.
If the engine is not running smoothly or begins to judder, this can indicate poor or inadequate fuel quality, e.g. water in the fuel. If these symptoms appear, reduce the vehicle speed immediately and drive to the nearest qualified workshop at medium engine speeds, avoiding high engine loading. If these symptoms occur immediately after the vehi-
Fuel tank capacity
Approx. 80.0 I,
..( Engine coolant level 358
..( Brake fluid level 269
..( Tyre pressure 367
..( Vehicle lighting necessary for traffic safety:
-Turn signals
-Side lights, dipped beam headlights and main beam headlights
-Tail light cluster
-Brake lights
-Rear fog light 1 08
Information on changing bulbs 432.
cle has been refuelled, switch the engine off as soon as it is safe to do so and seek expert assis-tance. This can help to prevent further damage.
Additional information and warnings:
• Filling the tank 340
• Engine management system and exhaust puri-fication system 407
• Service schedule
A WARNING
Incorrect handling of fuel can cause explo-sions, fire, serious burns and other injuries.
• Fuel is highly explosive and inflammable.
• Never handle fuel near open flames, sparks or glowing matter (e.g. cigarettes).
• Keep naked flames, hot parts and sparks at a safe distance.
At the filling station 1343

CD
• Fuels that are identified at the fuel pump as containing metallic additives may not be used. LRP fuel (lead replacement petrol) also con-tains high concentrations of metallic additives. Risk of engine damage I
Diesel
r'""'('n First read and observe the Introductory L-J,:.U Information and safety warnings & on page 343.
Diesel
Diesel fuel must comply with the European stand-ard EN 590 (in Germany DIN EN 590).
The service intervals are shorter if you use diesel with a high sulphur content =>Booklet Service schedule =>CD. A Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership will be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur content.
Where diesel fuel complying with the EN 590 standard is not available, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealerships and filling stations will have information on which fuels do comply with the EN 590 standard.
Do not mix fuel additives (thinners. or similar addi-tives) with diesel.
Winter diesel
When using summer-grade diesel. difficulties may be experienced at temperatures below o•c (+32.F)
because the fuel thickens due to paraffin separa-tion. For this reason winter-grade diesel which can be used at temperatures below -2o•c (·4°F) is available in countries such as Germany during the cold months.
In countries with different climatic conditions the diesel sold generally has different temperature characteristics. Check with a Volkswagen Com-mercial Vehicles dealer or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel fuels available.
it is not unusual for a cold diesel engine to be loud-er in cold temperatures that in warm weather. In addition, exhaust emissions may be tinged with blue while the engine starts and reaches operating temperature. The amount of exhaust fumes de-pends on the outside temperature.
CD
• Just one tankful of leaded fuel, or fuel con-taining other metallic additives, can seriously Impair the efficiency of the catalytic converter and can also cause considerable damage to the catalytic converter and engine. Filter preheater
Diesel vehicles are equipped with a filter pre-heat-er system. This ensures that the fuel system re-mains operational even down to approximately -24•c (-11.F) provided that winter-grade diesel which is safe down to -15•c (+5.F) is used.
However, if the fuel has thickened to such an ex-tent that the engine will not start at temperatures below -24•c (-11.F) simply place the vehicle in a warm garage or workshop for a while.
Supplementary heater
Vehicles fitted with a diesel engine may also be equipped with a fuel-driven supplementary heater. This heater is powered with fuel from the vehicle tank. In this case, odour and water vapour may es-cape from the vehicle, and there may be a greater quantity of smoke. This is quite normal when the system is in use, and does not indicate damage or a fault in the system.
The supplementary heater will be switched off au-tomatically if the level in the fuel tank is low (re-serve level).
A WARNING
Never use a start booster. Start boosters may explode or cause the engine to suddenly run at high revs, which can cause serious Injuries and engine damage.
CD
• Before filling up with diesel, check whether the fuel corresponds to the vehicle's require-ments according to the fuel standard Informa-tion at the pump.
• Only use fuel that complies with the EN 590 standard and has the correct cetane number. Otherwise, the engine and the fuel system can suffer considerable damage. The engine can al-so lose power or fall. ..,.
At the filling station 1345

CD
• Your vehicle is not suitable for use with bio-diesel and must not be filled up or driven with biodiesel. Failure to observe this point can re-sult in damage to the fuel system and engine.
• Some diesel manufacturers blend biodiesel with diesel fuel in compliance with European Standard 590 or an equivalent standard (in Ger-many). Use of this diesel is allowed and will not damage the engine or fuel system.
• The diesel engine has been developed for use with diesel only. For this reason, petrol, heating oil or other unsuitable fuels may not be used. These fuels can cause serious damage to the fuel system and engine.
CD
• The service life of the diesel particulate filter can be reduced considerably if diesels with a high sulphur content are used. A Voikswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership will be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur content. Emission control system for diesel vehicles (AdBiue®)
o:::n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Warning and indicator lamps Refilling Ad Blue® ... 347
348
SCR catalysts can be used to reduce emissions from diesel engines (SCR = Selective Catalytic Re-duction). The SCR catalyst uses Ad Blue® urea sol-ution to convert nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water.
If the vehicle is equipped with this kind of emission control system for diesel vehicles, the filler neck for the Ad Blue® tank is located below the filler cap for the fuel tank.
The Ad Blue® level should be checked within the scope of the service work Service schedule.
Information on AdBiue®
The Ad Blue® consumption figures depend on the individual driving style, the system's operating tem-perature and the ambient temperature that the ve-hicle is operated in.
The vehicle is fitted with a separate tank for Ad Bl-ue®. The Ad Blue® tank holds approximately 13 li-tres. For technical reasons, the capacity may be slightly larger when refilling using refill bottles.
The Ad Blue® tank must never run empty. As of a remaining distance of approximately 2,400 km. the instrument cluster display will indicate that the
346 While drivmg
Ad Blue® must be refilled 348. If the re-maining range is 0 km, the engine cannot be star-ted anymore 347.
The Ad Blue® trademark is held by the German As-sociation of the Automobile Industry (VDA) in the USA, Germany, the European Union and other countries.
Additional information and warnings:
• Fuel 343
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts 394
A WARNING
If the AdBiue® level is too low, the vehicle cannot be restarted after the Ignition has been switched off. Starting with jump leads is also not possible.
• Refill AdBiue® at the latest when the re-maining distance reaches approximately 1,000 km.
• Never allow the Ad Blue® tank to run emp-ty.
A WARNING
Ad Blue® is an Irritant and corrosive fluid that can damage the skin, eyes and breathing passages upon contact.

A WARNING (Continued)
• If engine oil is spilt on cold engine parts it can heat up and Ignite when the engine Is running.
• Always ensure that the engine oil filler cap Is securely tightened after refilling, and that the dipstick Is properly Inserted back Into the guide tube. This will prevent the engine oil from draining out on to hot engine compo-nents when the engine Is running.
CD
• Do not start the engine if the engine oil level Is above area@. Seek expert assistance. The catalytic converter and the engine could other-wise be damaged.
• When refilling or changing service fluids, please ensure that the correct fluids are added through the correct openings. Incorrect service fluids can cause serious functional problems and engine damage.
Engine oil consumption
n"'n First read and observe the introductory l.-J,:.ll information and safety warnings & on page 353.
Engine oil consumption can vary from engine to engine and can change during the working life of an engine.
The vehicle may consume up to 1.0 litre of engine oil per 2,000 km, depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the car is used. In new ve-
Changing engine oil
n"'n First read and observe the Introductory l.-J,:.ll Information and safety warnings & on page 353.
The engine oil must be changed regularly in ac-cordance with the data given in the service sched-ule.
The engine oil and filter change should be carried out by a qualified workshop due to the special tools and knowledge required, this also applies to the disposal of used oil. Volkswagen Commercial Vehi-cles recommends using a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership for this purpose.
The engine oil level must never be above I!!S area @. Otherwise oil can be drawn in through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the exhaust system. <1
hicles. consumption is likely to be higher for the first 5,000 km. The engine oil level must therefore be checked at regular intervals, preferably when refuelling and before long journeys.
When the engine is working hard the oil level must be kept within area =>Fig. 274 @,for instance dur-ing long motorway cruising in summer, trailer tow-ing or climbing mountain passes. <1
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.
A WARNING
If, In exceptional cases, you have to carry out an oil change yourself, please note the fol-lowing:
• Always wear eye protection. .,.
In the engine compartment 357

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.
• Do not allow direct sunlight onto the vehicle battery for an extended period as the UV rays could damage the battery housing.
• 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. In the engine compartment 363

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. Charging, replacing, disconnecting and connecting the vehicle battery
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