2018 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER engine warning light

Checking the coolant level and refilling coolant
Fig. 277 In the engine compartment: markings on the coolant expansion tank.
r--f'n First read and observe the Introductory information and safety warnings & on page 358.
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&. 350.
• The coolant expansion tank has the all. symbol on its cap 278.
Checking the coolant level
• When the engine is cold, check the coolant lev-el on the side markings of the engine coolant ex-pansion tank 277.
• Refill the coolant if the liquid level is below the minimum marking ("min"). When the engine is warm, the coolant level may be slightly above the top end of the marked area.
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 Volks-wagen specification 360)
• Only top up coolant if there is coolant residue in the expansion tank. If this is not observed, the en-gine could be damaged. If you cannot see any coolant in the expansion tank do not drive on. Seek professional assistance.
Fig. 278 In the engine compartment: coolant ex-pansion tank cap.
• If you can see coolant residue in the expansion tank, top up coolant until the level remains stable.
• The coolant level must be between the marks on the engine coolant expansion tank 277. Do not fill up over the top line of the marked area
• Close the cap tightly.
• If in an emergency you do not have access to the coolant of the required specification 360), do not use any other coolant addi-tive. Instead, initially refill with distilled water only. Then add the correct proportion of coolant ad-ditive as soon as possible 360.
A WARNING
Hot steam or engine coolant can cause seri-ous burns.
• Never open the bonnet if you can see or hear steam or engine coolant coming out of the engine compartment. Always wait until no escaping steam or coolant can be seen or heard.
• Always allow the engine to cool down completely before carefully opening the bon-net. Hot components can burn the skin.
• The following points should be noted be-fore opening the bonnet once it has cooled down.
-Apply the handbrake fully and move the selector lever to position P or move the manual gear lever to the neutral position.
-Remove the vehicle key from the lgni-
In the engine compartment I 361

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

Warning lamp
ro First read and observe the Introductory Information and safety warnings & on page 362.
Lit up Possible cause
0 Fault in the alternator.
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is switched on. They will go out after a few seconds.
A WARNING
Failure to observe illuminated warning lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle breaking down In traffic, and can cause acci-dent and serious injury.
Solution
Go to a qualified workshop. Have the electrical system checked. Switch off any electrical consumers that are not required. The vehicle battery will not be charged by the alternator while the vehicle is in motion.
A WARNING (Continued)
• Never ignore any illuminated warning lamps or text messages.
• Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and when safe to do so.
CD
Failure to observe illuminated indicator lamps and text messages can lead to your vehicle be-Ing damaged. <1
Checking the electrolyte level of the vehicle battery
Fig. 279 Engine compartment: pushing up the ve-hicle battery sleeve.
r-111 First read and observe the Introductory l-Jo=,.lJ Information and safety warnings & on page 362.
The electrolyte level of the vehicle battery should be checked regularly in high-mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older vehicle batteries. The vehicle battery is otherwise maintenance-free.
364 I Cleaning and maintenance
Vehicles with a starUstop system (=>page 283) are fitted with special vehicle batteries. The acid level of these vehicle batteries cannot be checked for technical reasons.
Preparation
• Preparing the vehicle for working in the engine compartment =>page 350.
• Open the bonnet &::. =>page 350.
Opening the battery cover
Fold the sleeve away to one side =>Fig. 279.
Checking the electrolyte level
• Ensure that enough light is available for you to see the colours clearly. Never use naked flames or glowing matter (e.g. cigarettes) as a light source.
• The colour display in the round window on the top side of the vehicle battery will change accord-ing to the electrolyte level.

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

Automatic switch-off for electrical consumers
The intelligent vehicle electrical system automati-cally implements a range of measures to prevent the battery from discharging under high loads:
• The idling speed is increased so that the alter-nator provides more electricity.
• The performance of large electrical consumers may be reduced or they may be switched off com-pletely.
• The supply of electricity to the 12-volt sockets and the cigarette lighter is interrupted temporarily while the engine is being started.
The vehicle electrical system cannot always pre-vent the vehicle battery from discharging. For ex-ample, if the ignition is left on for an extended peri-od of time with the engine off, or if the parking light is left on when the vehicle is parked for an exten-ded period.
What can cause the vehicle battery to discharge?
• Long periods at a standstill in which the engine is not running, especially if the ignition is switched on.
• The use of electrical consumers when the en-gine is switched off.
• When the supplementary heater is in operation =>page 332.
A WARNING
Incorrectly attaching the battery and using In-correct vehicle batteries can cause short cir-cuits, fire and serious Injuries.
366 I Cleaning and maintenance
A WARNING (Continued)
• Always use maintenance-free and leak-proof batteries that have the same properties, specifications and dimensions as the factory-fitted vehicle battery.
A WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases Is given off when the vehicle battery is being charged.
• Vehicle batteries should only be charged in well-ventilated spaces.
• Never charge a vehicle battery once it has been frozen. Discharged vehicle batteries can even freeze at temperatures of around o•c (+32.FJ.
• The vehicle battery has to be replaced if it has ever been frozen.
• Incorrectly connected cables can cause a short circuit. First connect the positive cable and then the negative cable.
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• Never make or break connections between vehicle batteries if the ignition is switched on or the engine is running. Never use a vehicle battery that does not correspond with the vehi-cle's specifications. The vehicle's electrical system or electronic components could be damaged, which could lead to electrical faults, for example In the start/stop system.
• Never connect equipment that provides electricity, such as solar panels or a battery charger, to the 12-volt socket or to the cigarette lighter to charge the vehicle battery. This can damage the vehicle electrical system.
Dispose of the vehicle baltery as required by legislation. Batteries may contain toxic sub-stances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
Electrolyte can pollute the environment. Clean up any service fluid leakages and dis-pose of them property.

r1ih In the interests of environmental protection, 'r!!S the engine compartment should be washed only in specially provided wash bays. This pre-vents toxic waste water containing oil, grease and
fuel from entering the sewerage system. In some districts, washing the engine compartment any-where else may be prohibited. Cleaning and caring for the interior
o::JJ Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Handling seat covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Cleaning cloth seat covers, fabric trim and Alcantara® upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Cleaning and caring for natural leather covers 391
Cleaning leatherette upholstery . . 392
Cleaning stowage compartments, drink holders and ash trays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392 Cleaning and caring for the dash panel, wooden trims and plastic parts . . . . . . . . . . 392
Cleaning seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392 Cleaning cool box . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . 393
Cleaning seat rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
Cleaning opaque shades 393
Modern fabrics, such as dark denim, are often not colourfast. Light-coloured upholstery (soft materials or leather) is particularly sensitive to staining caused by these fabrics, even if you are 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 sur-face 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:
• Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior 380
• Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts 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.
388 Cleaning and maintenance
A WARNING (Continued)
• The care product must be kept In its origi-nal sealed container.
• 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 cause serious Injury.
• Vehicle parts must be cleaned according to the manufacturer's Instructions.
• Only use approved or recommended cleaning products.
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• Cleaning products that contain solvents at-tack the material and may cause Irreparable damage.
• Stains, dirt and other deposits containing aggressive and solvent-based Ingredients at-tack the material and may cause Irreparable damage, even If only left for a short time.
• Stains, dirt and other deposits should be re-moved as quickly as possible and not allowed to dry In.
• To avoid damage, stubborn stains should be removed by a specialist cleaning company, .,.

Accessories, modifications, repairs and renewal of parts
o::n Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Running-in 394
Accessories and replacement parts 395 Service fluids and consumables . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Repairs and technical modifications . . . . . . . . 396
Repairs and faults in the airbag system . . . . . 397
Retrofitting two-way radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
Information stored in the control units . . . . . . . 398 Using a mobile telephone in the vehicle without a connection to the external aerial . . 399
Vehicle lifting points 401
Additional information and warnings:
• Seat belts '*page 79
• Airbag system '*page 87
• Towing a trailer 139
• Ashtray and cigarette lighter 161
• Electrical sockets 163
• Braking, stopping and parking '*page 269
• Pull-away assist systems 282
• ParkPilot 287
• Reversing camera (Rear Assist) '*page 291
• Cruise control system (CCS) 295
• Driver Alert System 315
• Tyre monitoring system 318
• Preparation for working in the engine compart-ment page 350
• Engine oil 353
• Engine coolant '*page 358
• Battery 362
Running-in
r--('n First read and observe the introductory L-J.:.lJ information and safety warnings & on page 394.
Please follow the regulations concerning running-in new parts.
394 I Cleaning and maintenance
• Cleaning and caring for the vehicle exterior 380
• Cleaning and caring for the interior 388
• Consumer information 404
• Radio, provision for mobile tele-phone, infotainment system, navigation system
A WARNING
Unsuitable spare parts and accessories, In-correctly carried out work, modifications and repairs can lead to damage to the vehicle and cause accidents and serious Injuries.
• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles strongly recommends you use only approved Volks-wagen accessories and Volkswagen Genuine Parts®. These parts and accessories have been specially tested by Volkswagen Com-mercial Vehicles for suitability, reliability and safety.
• Repairs and modifications to your vehicle should only be carried out by a qualified workshop. Qualified workshops have the nec-essary tools, diagnostic equipment, repair In-formation and qualified personnel.
• Never fit parts to your vehicle that are In any way different from the factory-fitted parts.
• Never secure or mount objects such as drink holders or telephone holders on or next to the airbag covers or within the deployment zone of the airbag.
• Only use rim/tyre combinations which have been approved by Volkswagen Commer-cial Vehicles for your vehicle type. Running in a new engine
Any new engine has to be run in during the first 1 ,500 kilometres. During its first few hours of run-ning, the internal friction in the engine is greater than later on when all the moving parts have bed-ded down.
The style of driving during the first 1 ,500 kilometres will also affect the engine quality. Even after this time-and especially with a cold engine-drive the .,.

Lit up Possible cause Solution
Drive in 4th gear (manual gearbox) or in gear D (DSG® dual clutch gearbox) at a speed of at
Diesel particulate filter has become satura-least 70 km/h (43 mph) for approximately 15 mi-nutes. ted with soot (except for courier vehicles). Observe the valid speed limits &. Go to the nearest qualified workshop if the indi-cator lamp still does not go out 409.
If possible, do not switch off the engine.
Only for specially equipped courier vehi-Please observe the applicable regulations for switching off the engine in special traffic situa-cles: lions (e.g. at level The indicator diesel particulate filter is being regenerated. lamp switches off when the diesel particulate fil-ter has been regenerated.
Flashes Possible cause Solution
Fault in engine management system (diesel The engine should be checked by a qualified } engine).
Misfiring, which damages the catalytic con-vert er.
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is switched on. They will go out after a few seconds.
A WARNING
Please observe legal requirements If cleaning the diesel particulate filter when in traffic.
• Follow driving recommendation only if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions are suitable.
• Do not endanger other vehicles on the road.
A WARNING
The exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless toxic gas. Car-bon monoxide can cause people to lose con-sclousness. lt can also cause death.
• Never start or run the engine In unventlla-ted or closed spaces.
• Never leave the engine running If you leave the vehicle unattended.
Catalytic converter
,..-('n First read and observe the introductory L-J,:.U Information and safety warnings & on page 407.
408 I Cleaning and maintenance
workshop as soon as possible.
Decrease speed. Drive carefully to the next qualified workshop. The engine should be checked.
CD
To avoid damage to your vehicle, always ob-serve the Indicator lamps and associated warn-Ing texts.
m If the indicator lamps -.. c or EPC are lit up, L!J fuel consumption may be higher and engine performance reduced. The catalytic converter is used for exhaust gas post-treatment and helps to reduce exhaust emis-sions. To help ensure long-term functionality in the exhaust system and the catalytic converter: .,.