2018 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER Owners Manual

284 Tyre lettering (example) Meaning
P 195 /65 R 15 XL Size designation: p Identification for passenger vehicle.
195 Tyre width from wall to wall in mm.
@ 65 HeighUwidth ratio in %.
R Tyre construction: radial.
15 Rim diameter in inches.
XL Heavy-duty tyres (reinforced).
@ MAX LOAD 615 KG US load data for the maximum load per wheel. (1235 LBS)
SIDEWALL 1 PLY RAYON Data on the tyre carcass components: 1 layer of rayon (artificial silk).
® TREAD 4 PLIES Data on the tread surface components: 1 RAYON+ 2 STEEL+ In the example there are 4 layers under the tread surface: 1 NYLON 1 layer of rayon (artificial silk), 2 steel belt layers and 1 nylon layer.
•I The TIN is the tyre serial number.
Tyre lettering can also be found inside the tyre. Certain labels may only be found on one side of the tyre, e.g. tyre identification number and manu-facturing date.
Any further numbers and letters are Internal co-des used by the tyre manufacturer or country-specific denotations.
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. The direction of ro-tation must be adhered to. This guarantees opti-mum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning, exces-sive 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.
Asymmetrical tyres
Asymmetrical tyres take into account the differing behaviour of the inner and outer areas of the tread pattern. The sidewalls of asymmetrical tyres are marked to indicate "inside" or "outside". Maintain the correct tyre positioning on the wheel rim. This guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aqua-planing, 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.
Tyre load
The load capacity index indicates how many kilo· grams can be loaded onto an individual tyre (tyre load).
Examples:
100 800 kg
101 825 kg
102 850 kg
103 875 kg
104 900 kg
105 925 kg
106 950 kg
107 975 kg
108 1,000 kg
109 1,030 kg
110 1,060 kg
Speed index
The speed index indicates the maximum permitted speed that may be driven when particular wheels are fitted.
p max. 150 km/h (93 mph) Q max. 160 km/h (99 mph)
R max. 170 km/h (106 mph)
s max. 180 km/h (112 mph)
T max. 190 km/h (118 mph)
u max. 200 km/h (125 mph)
H max. 210 km/h (130 mph)
V max. 240 km/h (149 mph)
Wheels and tyres I 377

z
w y
over 240 km/h (149 mph)
max. 270 kmlh (168 mph)
max. 300 kmlh (186 mph)
Winter tyres
r-f'n First read and observe the introductory L-J,::JJ information and safety warnings & on page 367.
In winter road conditions, winter tyres will consider-ably improve the car's handling. The design of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread pat-tern) gives less grip on ice and snow. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles urgently recommends you use winter tyres or all-year tyres on all 4 wheels of the vehicle, particularly if winter conditions are ex-pected on the roads. Winter tyres will also improve the braking response of the vehicle and will help to reduce braking distances in winter weather. Volks-wagen Commercial Vehicles recommends that win-ter tyres be fitted to the vehicle at temperatures un-der+ 7•c (+45°F).
Winter tyres lose their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth of 4 mm. Winter tyres also largely lose their effectiveness through ageing-regardless of the tread depth.
The following applies when using winter tyres:
• Observe any country-specific legal require-ments.
• Use winter tyres on all four wheels at the same time.
• Only use in winter road conditions.
• Only use the sizes of winter tyre that have been approved for the vehicle.
• Winter tyres must have the same type, size (rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
• Heed the maximum speed permitted by the speed index => &.
Speed limitation
Winter tyres have a speed limitation depending on the speed index =>page 375.
In some vehicle versions, a speed warning can be set in the menu MFD (multi function display) in the instrument cluster =>page 24.
378 I Cleaning and maintenance
Some tyre manufacturers use the code "ZR" for tyres with a highest permitted speed of over 240 km/h (149 mph).
If you use V-rated tyres the speed limits and re-quired tyre pressure will be determined by the en-gine size. You must ask a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealership about the highest permitted speed and required tyre pressure.
Four-wheel drive (4MOTION)
Thanks to its four-wheel drive, the vehicle will have plenty of traction in winter conditions, even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless, Volkswagen Com-mercial Vehicles still recommends that winter tyres or all-year tyres should be fitted on all four wheels when winter road conditions are expected, mainly because this will give a better braking response.
Please refer to the appropriate information and notes when using snow chains =>page 379.
A WARNING
The Improved winter driving characteristics afforded by the winter tyres should not en-courage you to take any risks.
• Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic con-ditions.
• Never exceed the top speed and load per-mitted for the winter tyres that are fitted.
r:Q;-.. Summer tyres should be fitted in good time at the end of the winter. The vehicle handling is better if summer tyres are fitted at temperatures above +7•c (+45.F). They are quieter, do not wear so quickly and reduce fuel consumption.
m In vehicles with a tyre monitoring system, the l!.J systems have to "re-synchronise" after wheels are changed =>page 318.
m Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealer-l!.J ships can provide details on permissible win-
ter tyre sizes.

Snow chains
r-"f"'n First read and observe the introductory L-J=.IJ information and safety warnings & on page 367.
Please heed legislation and also the permitted speed when driving your vehicle with snow chains.
In winter conditions, snow chains will not only im-prove acceleration, but also braking response.
Snow chains may only be fitted on the front wheels-even on four-wheel drive vehicles (4MOTION)-and only with the following wheel and tyre combinations:
Tyre size Wheel
205/65 R16 C 6 1/2 J x 16 offset 51 or61/2Jx16off-set 52
215/65 R16 C 6 112 J x 16 offset 51 or61/2 J x 16 off-set 52
215/60 R17 C 7 J x 17 offset 55 or 7 J x 17 offset 56
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recommends that you ask your Volkswagen Commercial Vehi-cles dealership for information about appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size.
If possible, use snow chains with fine-pitch links which do not protrude more than 15 mm, including the tensioner.
Remove wheel centre covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains For safety reasons cover caps must then be fitted over the wheel bolts. These are available from your Volkswagen Com-mercial Vehicles dealership.
A WARNING
The use of snow chains that are unsuitable for your vehicle or the incorrect installation of snow chains can cause accidents and seri-ous Injuries.
• Always use the correct snow chains.
• Follow the assembly instructions provided by the snow chain manufacturer.
• Never exceed the maximum speed permit-ted for the snow chains that are fitted.
Q)
• Remove the snow chains when driving on roads that are free of snow. The snow chains will otherwise impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out very quickly.
• Snow chains that are in direct contact with the wheel can scratch or damage it. Volkswa-gen Commercial Vehicles recommends using non-scratch snow chains.
m Snow chains are available in a range of sizes l!:.J for a vehicle type.
m When using snow chains on vehicles with a l!:.J tyre monitoring system, an incorrect display may be shown as the snow chains increase the tyre circumference 318. Wheels and tyres 379

Vehicle care and maintenance
Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior
o:n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382 Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors . . . . . . 382
Cleaning and changing wiper blades 383
Waxing and polishing the vehicle 384
Cleaning and caring for chrome and aluminium trim parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Cleaning and caring for the decorative film . . 385
Cleaning wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Care of rubber seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
De-icing door lock cylinders . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . 387
Undersea! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Cleaning the engine compartment . 387
Regular and expert care helps to maintain the val-ue of the vehicle. Proper maintenance may also be one of the requirements for the approval of warran-ty claims in the event of corrosion or paint defects.
Suitable care products are available from Volkswa-gen Commercial Vehicles dealers.
Additional information and warnings:
• Preparation for working in the engine compart-ment ::-page 350
• Cleaning and caring for the interior ::-page 388
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts ::-page 394
A WARNING
Car care products can be toxic and hazard-ous. Unsuitable care products and Incorrect application of care products can cause acci-dents, serious Injuries, burns or poisoning.
• The care product must be kept In Its origi-nal sealed container.
380 Cleaning and maintenance
A WARNING (Continued)
• Read the manufacturer's Instructions .
• Never store car care products in empty food containers, bottles or any other non-original containers as people finding these containers may not know that they contain care products.
• Keep children away from care products .
• The products can give off harmful fumes during use. They should therefore only be used outside or In well-ventilated spaces.
• Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other volatile fluids to wash, clean or care for your vehicle. These substances are toxic and highly Inflammable.
A WARNING
Incorrect care and cleaning of vehicle parts can Impair the safety features of the vehicle and thus cause serious Injury.
• Vehicle parts must be cleaned according to the manufacturer's Instructions.
• Only use approved or recommended cleaning products.
CD
Cleaning agents that contain solvents attack the material and can cause damage.
r:Q:... In the interests of environmental protection, "C!S the vehicle should only be washed in special-ly 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.
r:Q:... Environmentally-friendly care products "C!S should be used.
r:Q:... Leftover car care products should not be dis-"C!S posed of with ordinary household waste. Read the manufacturer's instructions.

Washing the vehicle
r-f'n First read and observe the introductory Information and safety warnings & on page 380.
The longer substances such as insects, bird drop-pings, resinous tree sap, road dirt, industrial de-posits, tar, soot or road salt and other corrosive materials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they do to the paintwork. High temperatures (for in-stance in strong sunlight) accelerate the corrosion process. 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 ve-hicle such as spoilers, roof luggage carrier systems or radio aerials ::.CD.
The paint is so hard-wearing that the car can nor-mally be washed without problems in an automatic car wash. However, the effect on the paint de-pends to a large extent on the design of the car wash. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recom-mends the use of car washes without brushes.
To remove any wax residue from the windows and to stop wipers rubbing, please note the following points ::.page 382, 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 thor-oughly at regular intervals.
Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. last. Use a differ-ent sponge for this purpose.
A WARNING
Parts of the vehicle with sharp edges can cause Injury.
• Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp parts, for example when cleaning the underbody or the inside of the wheel hous-lngs.
A WARNING
After the car has been washed, the braking effect could set in later than normal and ex-tend the braking distance as the brake discs and brake pads will be wet, or iced up In win-ter.
• You can "dry and de-ice" the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Make sure that you do not endanger any oth-er road users or violate any legal regulations when doing so.
CD
• The water should be no warmer than +so•c (+140.FJ.
• Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight in order to avoid damage to the vehicle palntwork.
• Never clean with insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar products as these can damage the surface.
• Never clean the headlights with a dry cloth or sponge. Always use a wet cloth or sponge. lt is best to use soapy water.
• Washing the vehicle In cold weather: if the vehicle is rinsed with a hose, do not direct the water at the lock cylinders or the gaps around the doors, boot, or bonnet. The locks and seals could freeze.
CD
Observe the following guidelines before driving the vehicle into an automatic car wash in order to avoid damage to the vehicle:
• Ensure that the gap between the guide rails In the car wash is sufficient for the vehicle track. If the track is too narrow your wheels and tyres will be damaged.
• Switch off the rain sensor before driving the vehicle Into an automatic car wash.
• Check that the car wash is tall and wide enough for your vehicle.
• Fold In the exterior mirrors. Electrically fold-Ing exterior mirrors must be moved electrically. Do not fold them in and out by hand.
• In order to prevent damage to the palntwork on the bonnet, fold the wipers back onto the windscreen after drying the wiper blades. Do not drop the wipers onto the glass.
• Lock the tailgate to prevent it from opening accidentally In the car wash. Vehicle care and maintenance 381

Washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner
I""""'T'n First read and observe the Introductory L.-lo:oJ.I information and safety warnings & on page 380.
Follow the instructions provided by the manufactur-er when cleaning your vehicle using a high-pres-sure cleaner. This applies in particular to the pres-sure and the spraying distance=>&.
Maintain sufficient distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses, insulation, and the ParkPilot sen-sors. The ParkPilot sensors are located in the front bumper, and in some cases also in the rear bump-er => Never use concentrated jet nozzles or dirt blast-ers=>&.
A WARNING
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.
• Maintain sufficient distance between the washer jet and the tyres.
• Never clean the tyres with concentrated jet nozzles (dirt blasters). The tyres may incur visible and invisible damage even if cleaned briefly with the spray at a distance.
A WARNING
After the car has been washed, the braking effect could set in later than normal and ex-tend the braking distance as the brake discs and brake pads will be wet, or iced up in win-ter.
• You can "dry and de-ice" the brakes by performing careful braking manoeuvres. Make sure that you do not endanger any oth-er road users or violate any legal regulations when doing so.
CD
• The water may be no warmer than +so·c (+140.FJ.
• Do not wash the vehicle In direct sunlight In order to avoid damage to the vehicle palntwork.
• The ParkPilot sensors In the bumpers must be kept clean and free of Ice. When cleaning with pressure hoses or steam cleaners, the sensors should only be sprayed briefly and the steam/hose nozzle must be kept more than 10 cm away.
• Do not clean windows that are iced over or covered In snow with a high-pressure cleaner.
• Washing the vehicle in cold weather: If the vehicle is rinsed with a hose, do not direct the water Into the lock cylinders or the gaps round the doors, boot, or bonnet. The locks and seals could freeze. Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
I""""'T'n First read and observe the introductory L.-lo:oJ.I information and safety warnings & on page 380.
Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
Moisten the windows and exterior mirrors with commercially available, alcohol-based glass clean-er.
382 Cleaning and maintenance
Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leath-er 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 wind-screen can cause the wiper blades to rub. Volks-wagen Commercial Vehicles recommends that a glass cleaning cloth G 052 522 A1 be used to re-move wax deposits from the windows and exterior mirrors each time the vehicle is washed.
A window cleaning agent specifically for removing wax will stop the blades rubbing if added to the windscreen wash water. Dilute the cleaner as in-structed. Grease-removing cleaners will not re-move wax deposits =-CD.
Special cleaners, glass cleaners and glass clean-ing cloths are available from Volkswagen Commer-cial Vehicles dealerships.
Removing snow
Use a small brush to remove snow from the win-dows 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. Mov-ing the ice scraper backwards can cause dirt to scratch the window.
Cleaning and changing wiper blades
Fig. 285 Changing the wiper blades.
1"'111 First read and observe the introductory l..-J,:.U information and safety warnings & on page 380.
A WARNING
Dirty or misted windows reduce visibility and Increase the risk of accidents and severe in-juries.
• Only drive when you have a clear view through all windows.
• Ice, snow and mist must be removed from the inside and outside of all windows.
CD
• Never combine the recommended cleaning agents with other cleaning agents for use in the windscreen washer fluid. This can cause the in-gredients to separate and block the windscreen washer jets.
• Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and Ice from windows and mirrors. This can cause the glass to crack.
• The heating elements for the rear window heater are on the Inside of the rear window. Never apply stickers over the heating elements and never clean the inside of the rear window with corrosive or acidic detergents or any other chemicals. Fig. 286 Changing the rear window wiper blade.
The factory-fitted wiper blades are coated with graphite. The graphite coating ensures that the wiper blade moves quietly over the windscreen. If the graphite coating is damaged, the windscreen wiper will become louder. .,..
Vehicle care and maintenance 383

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
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.