VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE 2014 3.G Owners Manual

Flashes Possible cause Proper response
E Engine oil pressure too low.

If you need to add oil between oil changes, use only a high quality oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine:

Engines Engine oil specification
Gasoline engines VW 502 00 VW 503 00 VW 504 00
Diesel engines VW 507 00
At the time this Manual was printed, the engine oils available in the U.S. that meet these Volkswagen standards are “synthetic” oils. This does not mean, however, that any “synthetic” engine oil will meet Volkswagen standards. Always use an approved oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard that applies to your vehicle's engine.
General recommendations:
If “synthetic” oil that meets the applicable Volkswagen oil quality standard with viscosity grade SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30 is not available in your area, be sure to use a viscosity grade suitable for the climate, season, and operating conditions that exist where the vehicle is used. Make sure the oil
meets the quality standard listed in ⇒ table.
Engine oils are constantly being improved. Authorized Volkswagen dealers and authorized Volkswagen Service Facilities are always up-to-date regarding new developments and changes. Volkswagen therefore recommends that you have the engine oil changed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
NOTICE
x If you need to add oil and there is none available that meets the Volkswagen oil quality standard your engine requires, you may add a total of no more than 1/2 quart (0.5 liter) of a high-quality “synthetic” oil that meets ACEA A3 specifications and has a viscosity grade of SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30.
x Use only a high quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
x Do not mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage! Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
Engine oil capacities

Checking the engine oil level and adding oil

Fig. 139 Oil dipstick with engine oil level marks.

Fig. 140 In the engine compartment: Engine oil filler cap.

7. Remove the dipstick again and read the oil level on the dipstick ⇒ fig. 139 as described below:
(A): Do not add any oil ⇒ . Continue with step 15.
(B): Oil may be added (about 1 pint / 0.5 liter). Continue with step 8 or step 15.
(C): You must add oil (about 1 quart / 1.0 liter). Continue with step 8.
8. After reading the oil level, reinsert the dipstick back into the guide tube and push it all the way in.
9. Remove the cap on the engine oil filler opening ⇒ fig. 140.
10. Only add engine oil that Volkswagen has approved for that engine. Add the oil gradually in small quantities (no more than 1 pint / 0.5 liter).
11. To help prevent overfilling, you must wait about 1 minute each time you add oil so that the oil can flow into the oil pan up to the marking on the dipstick.
12. Read the oil level on the dipstick again before adding another small amount, if necessary. Never
add too much oil ⇒ .
13. After adding oil, the level must at least be in the center of the ⇒ fig. 139 (B) area, but never above
(A) ⇒ .
14. After adding oil, securely install the cap on the engine oil filler opening. Otherwise, oil could leak out while the engine is running.
15. Insert the oil dipstick back in the guide tube and push it all the way in.
16. Close the hood ⇒  .
Engine oil level ranges

Required action according to the respective engine oil level:
Range (A) Do not refill oil ⇒ .
Range (B) You may add oil (about 1 pint / 0.5 liter). The oil level may go into the (A) range, but not above the (A) range.
Range (C) You must add oil (about 1 quart / 1.0 liter). After adding oil, make sure that the oil level is about in the middle of the (B) range.
WARNING
Engine oil can ignite when it touches hot engine parts. This can cause fires, burns, and other severe injuries.
x Never spill oil on the engine. Oil spilled on a cold engine can also cause a fire when the engine warms up.
x Always make certain that you screw the cap of the engine oil filler opening back on tightly after adding oil and that the dipstick has been pushed all the way back into the in the guide tube. This helps prevent engine oil from leaking onto the hot engine when the engine is running.
NOTICE
x Do not start the engine if the engine oil level is above range (A). Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise the catalytic converter and engine can be damaged!

x When changing or topping off fluids, make sure that you pour the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Adding the wrong type of operating fluids will cause serious malfunctions and engine damage.
The engine oil level should never be above range (A). Otherwise oil can be drawn in by the crankcase ventilation system and enter the atmosphere via the exhaust system.
Engine oil consumption

Volkswagen recommends that you have your oil and oil filter changed by an authorized Volkswagen
dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility ⇒ . They have the required expertise and special tools and will dispose of the old oil properly.
Detergent additives in the oil will make fresh oil look dark after the engine has been running a short time. This is normal and no reason to change engine oil more often.
WARNING
If you must change the engine oil yourself, be sure to take the following precautions:
x Always wear eye protection.
x To reduce the risk of burns from hot engine oil, let the engine cool down completely before beginning.
x When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, stay as far away as possible. Always keep your forearm parallel to the ground to help prevent hot oil from running down your arm.
x Drain the oil into a container designed for this purpose, one large enough to hold at least the total amount of oil in your engine.
x To reduce the risk of poisoning, never drain the oil into empty food or beverage containers that might mislead someone into drinking from them.
x Engine oil is poisonous and must be stored out of the reach of children.
x Continuous contact with used engine oil is harmful to your skin. Always protect your skin by washing thoroughly with soap and water.
Before changing the oil, first make sure you know where you can properly dispose of the old oil.
Dispose of the old oil an environmentally-responsible manner. Never dump the old oil on garden soil, in wooded areas, in the street, into streams, rivers, or bodies of water, or down sewage drains.
Recycle used oil by taking it to a collection facility for used engine oil in your area, or contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Volkswagen recommends that you always have your oil and oil filter changed by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. They have the required expertise and special tools and will dispose of the old oil properly.

Engine coolant

The engine coolant temperature warning light is located on the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster, Instrument overview
The following table explains what to do if the engine coolant temperature warning light ¿ does not go out a few seconds after the engine is started or starts flashing while driving.

Flashes Possible cause Proper response
~
Engine coolant temperature too high.
² Stop! Pull off the road and stop as soon as you can do so safely. Stop the engine and let it cool down until the temperature is in the normal range again. Check the engine coolant level and add engine coolant if needed. If the engine coolant level is correct or the problem continues after adding coolant and driving a short distance, do not drive any farther. Contact the nearest authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a radiator fan fault. Check the fuses and replace as necessary.
Engine coolant level too low.
Check the engine coolant level after the engine has cooled down and add engine coolant if low. If the engine coolant level is correct or the problem continues after adding coolant, do not drive any farther. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. These instructions apply only when the coolant temperature stays in the normal range.
Engine coolant system malfunction.
² Stop! Get assistance from an authorized Volkswagen dealer, an authorized Volkswagen Service Facility, or another qualified workshop.
– – Do not drive at high engine speeds or with heavy engine loads until the engine warms up.
When the ignition is switched on, several warning and indicator lights come on briefly for a function check. They go out after a few seconds.
The engine coolant temperature may also be shown in the Volkswagen Information System MFI display, MFI menu (Multi-Function Indicator). On some equipment versions, all symbols and information in the display are shown in red, Displays and warning lights (Basic version). The red color of the letters, numbers, and symbols used in the display does not indicate a malfunction.
The ideal operating temperature of the engine can vary and depends on the driving situation. If the engine coolant temperature should get any warmer than about 198 °F (95 °C) the MFI display will automatically switch to the digital coolant temperature display. If the engine coolant temperature is already being displayed, no change will occur. This, however, is only informational and does not indicate overheating.
If the engine coolant temperature is too high (warmer than 257 °F or 125 °C), the red engine coolant temperature warning light on the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster will flash. An acoustic signal may also sound.

WARNING
Failure to heed warning lights and instrument cluster text messages can cause the vehicle to break down in traffic and result in a collision and serious personal injury.
x Never ignore warning lights or text WARNINGS.
x Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
NOTICE
Failure to heed warning lights or text WARNINGS can result in vehicle damage.
Engine coolant specifications

x If the fluid in the engine coolant reservoir is any color but pink, then G 13 was mixed with a different engine coolant. If this is the case, the engine coolant must be replaced immediately. Otherwise serious malfunctions or engine damage can occur!
Engine coolant and engine coolant additives can pollute the environment. Collect leaking operating fluids and dispose of them properly in accordance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Checking engine coolant level and topping off

Fig. 141 Coolant expansion tank in the engine compartment.

Fig. 142 Coolant expansion tank cap in the engine compartment.